For Bryianna Fips, the work begins when the school bell rings. As a regional program coordinator with the Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment (CASE) for Kids, she built her career around the belief that what happens after school matters.  

Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, Fips was involved in mentorship programs, extracurricular activities and community initiatives that provided stability and support throughout an uncertain childhood. 

“My mom was a single parent… There were many times we lived in shelters or moved around,” she recalled. “I just wanted to be involved in things outside of the house where people poured into me, and I want to give that back to kids today.” 

Fips was honored as a 2026 Next Generation Afterschool Leader by the National AfterSchool Association (NAA) at their annual conference in Washington, D.C., on March 11-14. She joined 29 other honorees from 21 states nationwide. The NAA identifies young leaders and helps cultivate the talent of afterschool champions who have the potential to influence the out-of-school-time field.  

Fips’ childhood experience now shapes the way she connects with students.  

In just three years with CASE for Kids, Fips rose through the ranks from a part-time afterschool specialist to site coordinator. She now serves as a regional program coordinator, supporting programs serving Harris County students across multiple campuses.  

Stationed at Galena Park Independent School District’s Cobb Sixth Grade Campus, the afterschool leader focuses on creating a space where students feel seen, heard and supported as they navigate challenges in and beyond the classroom. Whether it’s helping with homework, leading hands-on activities like an entrepreneurship project or lending a listening ear, she meets students where they are.  

“I try to be that adult that they need in their life,” Fips described. “They can tell me anything, but I’m also going to set boundaries that help them grow and learn.”  

That balance of care and accountability is key for the learning environment she cultivates, where social-emotional growth, relationships and real-world skills take center stage. Many students currently enrolled in her program were sent home in kindergarten due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fips noted those students are still feeling the foundational learning gaps caused by the decision to participate in virtual classes.  

“They missed out on real-life interactions at a critical age, and now we have to teach them how to communicate, work with others and how to express themselves,” she said.  

Through bi-annual meetings and consistent communication with families, the NAA leader has built a network of trust that strengthens the entire school community. From encouraging students to have a voice in shaping their out-of-school-time experience by regularly asking what they want to learn to hosting parent meetings and stepping in to provide basic needs like clothing or hygiene items for students getting reacquainted with their bodies.  

“The proof is in the pudding because my parents still come back to help and my kids reach out to me to come to their sporting events or afterschool activities, long after they leave Cobb,” Fips smiled.  

Moments like that define the impact of afterschool professionals and programs that extend beyond academics. They provide safe spaces, mentorship and opportunities that many students might not otherwise have access to.  

While Fips was recognized on a national stage, she described that honor as a reflection of the work happening across Harris County Department of Education and the CASE for Kids division.  

“It feels good to represent HCDE on the national level and let everyone know how important afterschool care is for students,” Fips exclaimed. “I’m making a difference every day I come to work, whether in the students’ or parents’ lives, and that’s all I ever wanted to do.”