Partners For Change Game On! Conference Brings 200+ Out-of-School Time Leaders to NKY in a Statewide Success
Partners For Change, in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education, successfully welcomed more than 200 Out-of-School Time (OST) professionals, educators, and youth development leaders from across the Commonwealth to Northern Kentucky for the 2026 Game On: Out-of-School Time All-Star Playbook .
The two-day statewide conference, held February 23–24 at the Hilton Cincinnati Airport in Florence, KY, served as a powerful opportunity for connection, learning, and inspiration—and proved to be a tremendous success.
Attendees represented approximately 189 sites across Kentucky that receive 21st Century Community Learning Center (21CCLC) grants, supporting high-quality before-school, after-school, and summer learning programs. Participants included program directors, teachers, school administrators, youth development professionals, and community partners—each playing a critical role in supporting students and families across the state.
The conference featured more than 50 speakers and expert-led sessions, providing practical strategies, innovative ideas, and meaningful opportunities for collaboration. Highlights included remarks from Kentucky Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman and keynote speaker Dr. Felicia C. Smith, President and CEO of the National Center for Families Learning, along with presentations from nationally recognized STEM educator Jason Lindsey (“Mr. Science”), the Afterschool Alliance, and other experts across the Out-of-School time and Family Engagement space.
Throughout the two-day event, participants engaged in hands-on learning, peer networking, and facilitated dialogue designed to strengthen OST programs across Kentucky. Attendees returned to their communities with renewed energy, new ideas, and ready-to-implement strategies to better support student success.
The success of the Game On Conference also highlighted Northern Kentucky’s growing role as a statewide hub for education leadership, collaboration, and innovation.
Hosted by Partners For Change and presented in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education, the conference was made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Chuck Scheper and Julie Geisen Scheper, OneQuest Health, HealthPoint, and Duke Energy.
Through events like Game On, Partners For Change continues to bring leaders together, strengthen school-community partnerships, and advance opportunities that help every student thrive—both in and out of school.
