Afterschool is Cool Expo
2026-03-28 08:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago)
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, 2026Location: 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

MBK & Houston Public Library Reading Buddies Initiative
2026-03-30 16:00 - 17:30
Strengthening Early Literacy Through Connection and Community
My Brother’s Keeper Houston, in partnership with the Houston Public Library, is launching the Reading Buddies Initiative during Spring and Summer 2026 to support early literacy and build confidence for elementary-aged readers across Houston.
This initiative pairs kindergarten through fifth grade students with high school and college-age volunteers for short, consistent, and engaging reading sessions held at Houston Public Library locations throughout the city.
How the Reading Buddies Program Works
Reading Buddies is designed to be impactful for students and manageable for volunteers:

Volunteers are paired one-on-one with a K to 5 student
Each session includes four 20-minute reading blocks
A 3-minute transition period allows time to rotate participants between sessions
Sessions take place once per week at the library location selected by the volunteer
Total time commitment is just under 90 minutes per week

Programs run for 9-week cycles:

Spring Session: March 30 to May 30, 2026
Summer Session: June 1 to July 31, 2026

Why Reading Buddies Matters
Early literacy is a key predictor of long-term academic success. When students experience reading as supportive, relational, and fun, they are more likely to:

Improve reading fluency and comprehension
Build confidence and positive associations with learning
Strengthen communication and social skills
Stay engaged in school

By pairing younger students with older peers, Reading Buddies also creates leadership pathways and meaningful service opportunities for youth and young adults.
Calling All Volunteers
MBK Houston is currently recruiting high school and college students to serve as Reading Buddies. Volunteers will:

Support elementary students during weekly reading sessions
Serve as positive role models in a public library setting
Choose a preferred Houston Public Library location where they can reliably attend
Participate in a brief virtual orientation and training before placement

Volunteers can select from multiple library locations, including:

McCrane-Kashmere Gardens
Robinson-Westchase
Oak Forest
Flores
Park Place

Specific days and times are listed on the sign-up form
What Volunteers Receive
Volunteers who complete their commitment will receive:

An official volunteer hours letter
Eligibility for letters of recommendation for school, scholarships, jobs, internships, or service organizations
Hands-on experience working with youth in a structured, supportive environment

Who Should Volunteer

High school students seeking service hours or leadership experience
College and trade program students interested in education, literacy, or youth development
Young adults passionate about giving back to their community

No prior tutoring experience is required. Volunteers should enjoy working with children and be able to commit consistently for one session cycle.
Volunteers must complete the Houston Public Library’s (HPL) Volunteer Form:

Youth (14-17) https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1ed89539745d442dac3ff77d999979f3
Adults (18+) https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/592a1aecfa2e44678424702e7c3a1418

* Under why are you interested in volunteering at HPL? – enter will be participating in the Reading Buddies program.
Join the Reading Buddies Initiative
Reading Buddies is more than a program. It is a commitment to ensuring every child feels supported, capable, and encouraged as they grow as readers.
Interested volunteers should complete the Reading Buddies Volunteer Interest and Sign-Up Form and select their preferred library location.
Together, we can build stronger readers and stronger communities, one page at a time.

MBK Houston Career Exploration Experience
2026-04-11 10:00 - 14:00
Explore Your Future
Career Test Drive Experience with BridgeYear
My Brother’s Keeper Houston, in partnership with BridgeYear, invites students to an interactive Career Test Drive Experience designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help young people explore real-world career pathways.
This hands-on event gives students the opportunity to engage with multiple industries in an immersive way, helping them discover what aligns with their interests, strengths, and future goals.
What Is a Career Test Drive?
A Career Test Drive allows students to explore careers before committing to a single path. Instead of only hearing about jobs, students actively engage in activities that simulate real industry experiences.
During this event, students will:

Explore multiple career pathways across diverse industries
Participate in hands-on, interactive career simulations
Learn how skills connect to real-world jobs and opportunities
Gain clarity around interests, strengths, and next steps

This experience is especially impactful for students who are still discovering what they want their future to look like.
Why This Matters
Too many young people are expected to make life-changing decisions without meaningful exposure to careers or industries. The Career Test Drive model removes guesswork by helping students learn through experience.
By partnering with BridgeYear, MBK Houston is helping students:

Expand awareness of career options they may not have considered
Build confidence in their ability to succeed in postsecondary pathways
Make informed decisions about education, training, and workforce opportunities

Who Should Attend

Middle and high school students
Young adults exploring career options
Parents and caregivers supporting career planning
Educators, mentors, and youth advocates

Event Details
Date: April 11Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location:Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center
Join Us
This event is an opportunity for students to explore what is possible, ask questions, and begin mapping out a future that aligns with their interests and goals.
Come curious. Leave informed. Take your next step with confidence.
