Game Plan for Success

Middle and high school students are invited to the Afterschool Is Cool Youth Expo, a dynamic student summit designed to help young people build a strong foundation for postsecondary success through preparation, mindset, and intentional planning.

Hosted at the University of Houston, this year’s expo brings together students, educators, and community partners for an interactive experience focused on helping students identify their best move and confidently plan their next move.

Championship Mindset. Best Move. Next Move.

The 2026 theme centers on developing a championship mindset that empowers students to think strategically about their future while building the skills needed to succeed in college, career, and life.

Students will engage in hands-on learning experiences that emphasize:

• Preparation and goal setting
• Teamwork and leadership
• Resilience and problem solving
• Confidence in decision making

What Students Will Gain

The Afterschool Is Cool Youth Expo prepares students for life beyond high school by providing exposure to:

• Financial literacy and money management basics
• College access and postsecondary planning
• Career exploration and workforce readiness
• STEM and arts integration that encourages creativity and curiosity

Through interactive sessions, students will learn how their interests connect to real-world opportunities and how afterschool programs can support their academic and personal growth.

Who Should Attend

• Middle and high school students
• Parents and caregivers supporting postsecondary planning
• Educators, mentors, and youth-serving professionals
• Afterschool and community-based organizations

Event Details

Date: March 28, 2026
Location: University of Houston

Why This Summit Matters

Postsecondary success begins long before graduation. The Afterschool Is Cool Youth Expo creates a space where students can explore options, build confidence, and gain practical tools that help them navigate the path from middle school to high school and beyond.

This summit reinforces that preparation today leads to opportunity tomorrow.

Register at the link above.

For more information, contact levelup@hcde-texas.org