Harris County Commissioners and the Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment (CASE) for Kids, a division of Harris County Department of Education (HCDE), recently recognized the 2026 County Connections Youth Summer Initiative awardees during ceremonies held the last few weeks.

Harris County Commissioners and HCDE approved a four-year interlocal agreement totaling $7.1 million to support the program in April 2023. In its final year, County Commissioners Rodney Ellis, Adrian Garcia, Tom Ramsey and Lesley Briones joined CASE for Kids leadership in recognizing grantees and thanking partners for their investment in Harris County youth. 

This year, more than $1.4 million in grants were awarded to nearly 70 non-profit organizations that provided youth summer enrichment programming like sports activities, fine arts, academic enrichment, college readiness initiatives and youth mentoring programs. Grants ranging from $5,100 to $20,000 infused funding for programs held throughout the summer months and were used to purchase materials and supplies for activities, add programming opportunities, and reduce fees and offer scholarships to families. 

Organizations representing all four county precincts received grant funding and services were customized to meet the needs of each community. Funding for the initiative is provided by Harris County and administered to vetted programs by CASE for Kids.

Click on the respective precinct link to view the photo galleries from Precinct 1, Precinct 2, Precinct 3 and Precinct 4.

To learn more about CASE for Kids, visit www.hcde-texas.org/afterschoolzone.