The Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment for Kids (CASE for Kids) is working hard to ensure the community recognizes that afterschool programs are not just extracurriculars—they are lifelines for the city’s youth. In honor of the 25th Annual Lights on Afterschool celebration, the team facilitated the return of a professional development space and raised awareness for out-of-school time (OST) programs.  

#TeamHCDE met with League City leaders to explain how CASE programming allows youth to enhance academic skills, explore new hobbies, nurture creativity and interact with positive role models. Mayor Nick Long issued an official proclamation declaring Oct. 24, 2024, as Lights on Afterschool Day. To celebrate, site leaders and program coordinators visited students across Houston for dance parties, coloring activities and pictures, which were then posted on social media.   

Artwork from Elizabeth Figueroa and Sophia Prieto, students at Houston Independent School District’s Crespo Elementary School, was displayed on Oct. 24 on the NRG Stadium marquee on Houston’s southside, near 610 South Loop and Kirby Drive. The pair won the Lights on Afterschool poster contest in August, which was used to promote afterschool programs nationwide.  

This year, CASE for Kids staff also aided the return of the South East Texas After-School Association (SETAA), a vital resource for local out-of-school-time professionals. The meeting follows the division’s OST Conference in September, where attendees emphasized the need for the association’s support. Nearly two dozen members attended the gathering at Harris County Department of Education’s North Post Oak location for networking and discussions about furthering the impact of afterschool programs.  

“I’m really excited to bring back our SETAA meetings, because together we have the power to impact our field in meaningful ways that will not only benefit the youth we serve and the programs we work in, but ourselves as youth workers, community leaders, and out-of-school time professionals,” said CASE for Kids’ Senior Director Lisa Caruthers.