Out-of-School Time (OST) Opportunities

Make the most of all the opportunities listed below!
Have your afterschool students take part in fun challenges and competitions that can develop their SEL,
numeracy and literacy skills. Tell your high school students to review all of the scholarship opportunities available.
To help you continue to do the great work you do, we've provided fillable RFPs for program funding.
Want more information? Check out the Afterschool Zone and CASE for Kids pages.
Questions or issues, contact us and we'll be happy to assist you further.
Celebrate girls in STEM with Girl Day at UT!
Girl Day at UT Austin, includes Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day and the Girl Day STEM Festival, which will be held virtually Monday, February 22, 2021 through Sunday, March 7, 2021. Students and their parents or educators are invited to join us for 10+ days of virtual FREE hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fun.
Registration is open!
Enter the Nuclear Engineering and Science Center's Clean SMARTS Master Class Competition for a chance to win up to $3,000!
The NPI “Clean SMARTS Master Class” provides opportunities for 6th – 12th grade school students and educators to hear, learn, and be inspired by experts in the areas of Security, Manufacturing, Automation, Radiation science, Technology, and Success skills (SMARTS).
To recognize the spirit of excellence in the out-of-school time field, Harris County Department of Education’s Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment for Kids, or CASE for Kids, presents its annual award and recognition program. These awards will honor the dedication and commitment to professionalism, quality and excellence within the afterschool profession. Check out the specific categories and topics on the informational page prior to filling out the nomination form.
All awards and recognition will be presented at the CASE for Kids 2021 End of Year Celebration event on April 30, 2021.
Nominate yourself, your program, or a colleague to recognize outstanding achievements and commitment to the field. Access the form directly, nominations must be submitted by February 12, 2021.
The Pre-College Engineering Education branch of the American Society for Engineering Educators presents the Everyday Engineering Social Media Conversations Challenge. Starting national engineering week, February 21 -27, 2021, and running through April 30th the (PCEE) will be holding a K-6 social media challenge that your family/students and community can participate in. The objective is to share with the world a conversation about an everyday technology or invention that improves your local community and society.
Dollar General Literacy Foundation
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $186 million to support literacy and learning. In turn, these grants have enabled more than 12 million people to achieve their goals. Click on the link below to learn more about the grants they offer, from youth/family literacy to summer reading the foundation might have an opportunity for you!
https://www.dgliteracy.org/#summer-reading
United Way Of Greater Houston Second Century Vision Funding Conference Registration
This conference focuses on learning more about United Way of Greater Houston’s continued efforts to serve our community through Second Century Vision. Click the link below to register for the free and virtual event!
https://www.unitedwayhouston.org/scv/registration
Cycle 11 Grant Application Announcement
Cycle 11 Fact Sheet
Eligible Schools List by Region
Eligible Schools List
Grant Information Session Slides
Campus Needs Assessment
Letter of Intent to Participate
For additional assistance or more information, check out the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website.
NASA App Development Challenge
Website: https://www.nasa.gov/stem/nextgenstem/moon_to_mars/app_challenge.html
Related Documents: App Dev Timeline
High School Aerospace Scholars
Website: https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/stem/High_School_Aerospace_Scholars.html
Related Documents: N/A
OST STEM Gaming Microgrants
Tyto Online is used to empower students to be authentic science problem solvers. Students solve a food shortage using genetics, or figure out that animals are sick from microplastics by examining the ecosystem and collecting data.
- Type of Grant - product + PD/Support
- Eligible Institutions - US Organizations focused on out-of-school time
- Minimum Students Served - 30
- Implementation Timeline - Spring and/or Summer 2021
Website: https://www.tytoonline.com/job/oststemgaming/
EarthX Inspire Through Eco-Art Contest
Inspire others to help sustain our world through artwork
- Young artists ages 5-22 create either a 2-D or 3-D piece of art addressing theme: No Time to Waste
- Entry deadline Wednesday, January 25, 2021
- Cash prizes for 1st and 2nd Places
Website: https://earthx.org/education/art-competition/
Planet911 Youth Film Challenge
Create a one-minute film on a specific environmental topic
- Spring and Fall competitions, Next deadline December 1, 2020
- Cash prizes for student, schools, and youth organizations
- Finalists' entries showcased at EarthxFilm or Earthx TV
- Ages: 10-22
Website: https://www.planet911.org/planet911-youth-film-challenge-2020
October 19-23, 2020 - Nuclear Power Institute’s Nuclear Science Week Student Competition: “Get to Know Nuclear”
Related Website for more information: https://npi.tamu.edu/
Related Documents: Announcement, Guidelines, Media Release, Engagement Opportunities
Guide to starting a "Girls Who Code" club
SEL Programming: Soar with Wings
21 Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge
Women Energy Network (WEN) Scholarships
21stCentury Community Learning Centers Cycle 10, Year 3 grant
21st Century Community Learning Centers Cycle 9, Year 5 grant
Jam in a Box Application for School Year 2020-21
SciFest All Access – a Virtual USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo
Houston Library Get Graphic! Comic Book Contest!
Free Training Guide: How to Engage Your Employees
Apply to become an EngineerGirl Ambassador
Texans Recovering Together: Crisis counseling assistance and training program
Each year, ISEA hosts a conference for Informal Science Educators that includes panels, sessions, workshops, posters, and dynamic networking opportunities. ISEA 2021 will held virtually from February 16th for 19th.
Website: https://www.texasinformalscience.org/conference
Registration is now open for the 2021 ISEA conference. Register today!
Scholarship applications are open for the 2021 ISEA Conference. Apply for a scholarship today!
