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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260330T160000
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UID:6310-1774886400-1774891800@draft.mbkhouston.com
SUMMARY:MBK & Houston Public Library Reading Buddies Initiative
DESCRIPTION:Strengthening Early Literacy Through Connection and Community\nMy 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. \nThis 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. \nHow the Reading Buddies Program Works\nReading Buddies is designed to be impactful for students and manageable for volunteers: \n\nVolunteers are paired one-on-one with a K to 5 student\nEach session includes four 20-minute reading blocks\nA 3-minute transition period allows time to rotate participants between sessions\nSessions take place once per week at the library location selected by the volunteer\nTotal time commitment is just under 90 minutes per week\n\nPrograms run for 9-week cycles: \n\nSpring Session: March 30 to May 30\, 2026\nSummer Session: June 1 to July 31\, 2026\n\nWhy Reading Buddies Matters\nEarly literacy is a key predictor of long-term academic success. When students experience reading as supportive\, relational\, and fun\, they are more likely to: \n\nImprove reading fluency and comprehension\nBuild confidence and positive associations with learning\nStrengthen communication and social skills\nStay engaged in school\n\nBy pairing younger students with older peers\, Reading Buddies also creates leadership pathways and meaningful service opportunities for youth and young adults. \nCalling All Volunteers\nMBK Houston is currently recruiting high school and college students to serve as Reading Buddies. Volunteers will: \n\nSupport elementary students during weekly reading sessions\nServe as positive role models in a public library setting\nChoose a preferred Houston Public Library location where they can reliably attend\nParticipate in a brief virtual orientation and training before placement\n\nVolunteers can select from multiple library locations\, including: \n\nMcCrane-Kashmere Gardens\nRobinson-Westchase\nOak Forest\nFlores\nPark Place\n\nSpecific days and times are listed on the sign-up form \nWhat Volunteers Receive\nVolunteers who complete their commitment will receive: \n\nAn official volunteer hours letter\nEligibility for letters of recommendation for school\, scholarships\, jobs\, internships\, or service organizations\nHands-on experience working with youth in a structured\, supportive environment\n\nWho Should Volunteer\n\nHigh school students seeking service hours or leadership experience\nCollege and trade program students interested in education\, literacy\, or youth development\nYoung adults passionate about giving back to their community\n\nNo prior tutoring experience is required. Volunteers should enjoy working with children and be able to commit consistently for one session cycle. \nVolunteers must complete the Houston Public Library’s (HPL) Volunteer Form: \n\nYouth (14-17) https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1ed89539745d442dac3ff77d999979f3\nAdults (18+) https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/592a1aecfa2e44678424702e7c3a1418\n\n* Under why are you interested in volunteering at HPL? – enter will be participating in the Reading Buddies program. \nJoin the Reading Buddies Initiative\nReading Buddies is more than a program. It is a commitment to ensuring every child feels supported\, capable\, and encouraged as they grow as readers. \nInterested volunteers should complete the Reading Buddies Volunteer Interest and Sign-Up Form and select their preferred library location. \nTogether\, we can build stronger readers and stronger communities\, one page at a time.
URL:https://draft.mbkhouston.com/event/mbk-houston-public-library-reading-buddies-initiative/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260328T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260328T143000
DTSTAMP:20260404T083621
CREATED:20260125T163127Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T212130Z
UID:6304-1774686600-1774708200@draft.mbkhouston.com
SUMMARY:Afterschool is Cool Expo
DESCRIPTION:Game Plan for Success\nMiddle 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. \nHosted 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. \nChampionship Mindset. Best Move. Next Move.\nThe 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. \nStudents will engage in hands-on learning experiences that emphasize: \n\nPreparation and goal setting\nTeamwork and leadership\nResilience and problem solving\nConfidence in decision making\n\nWhat Students Will Gain\nThe Afterschool Is Cool Youth Expo prepares students for life beyond high school by providing exposure to: \n\nFinancial literacy and money management basics\nCollege access and postsecondary planning\nCareer exploration and workforce readiness\nSTEM and arts integration that encourages creativity and curiosity\n\nThrough interactive sessions\, students will learn how their interests connect to real-world opportunities and how afterschool programs can support their academic and personal growth. \nWho Should Attend\n\nMiddle and high school students\nParents and caregivers supporting postsecondary planning\nEducators\, mentors\, and youth-serving professionals\nAfterschool and community-based organizations\n\nEvent Details\nDate: March 28\, 2026Location: University of Houston \nWhy This Summit Matters\nPostsecondary 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. \nThis summit reinforces that preparation today leads to opportunity tomorrow. \nRegister at the link above. \nFor more information\, contact levelup@hcde-texas.org
URL:https://draft.mbkhouston.com/event/afterschool-is-cool-expo/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260228T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260228T153000
DTSTAMP:20260404T083621
CREATED:20260125T160624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T212124Z
UID:6299-1772281800-1772292600@draft.mbkhouston.com
SUMMARY:Smart'n Up - Black Male Summit
DESCRIPTION:Education. Survival. Success.\nThe Smart’n Up Black Male Summit is a uniquely curated\, community-based motivational and educational experience designed to address the critical challenges facing Black men and boys while equipping them with the tools to thrive. \nHosted by Deric Muhammad\, this powerful summit creates space for honest dialogue\, leadership development\, and exposure to resources that support long-term success in education\, personal growth\, and life outcomes. \nWhy the Black Male Summit Matters\nBlack men and boys continue to navigate systemic barriers that impact education\, safety\, economic mobility\, and overall well-being. The Smart’n Up Black Male Summit exists to meet these challenges head-on by providing: \n\nEmpowering and culturally relevant education\nAccess to positive role models and mentors\nExposure to community resources and support systems\nMotivation rooted in lived experience\, resilience\, and excellence\n\nThis summit is intentionally designed to uplift\, affirm\, and inform while strengthening pathways toward success in an often adverse society. \nWhat Participants Can Expect\n\nInspirational and real-world discussions centered on growth and leadership\nOpportunities to connect with mentors\, community leaders\, and peers\nPractical tools that support academic achievement\, decision-making\, and self-confidence\nA space that celebrates Black male identity\, voice\, and potential\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nBlack boys and young men\nParents\, caregivers\, and families\nEducators\, mentors\, and community advocates\nOrganizations committed to improving outcomes for Black men and boys\n\nEvent Details\nDate: Saturday\, February 28Time: 12:30 PMAdmission: FREE \nLocation:Shrine of the Black Madonna Cultural & Event Center5309 MLK BlvdHouston\, Texas 77021 \nRegister Today\nThis is more than an event. It is a movement toward education\, survival\, and success. \nRegistration is free\, but space may be limited.Register online at BlackMaleSummit.Eventbrite.com or click RSVP above
URL:https://draft.mbkhouston.com/event/smartn-up-black-male-summit/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260131T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260131T113000
DTSTAMP:20260404T083621
CREATED:20260117T202849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T212119Z
UID:6210-1769850000-1769859000@draft.mbkhouston.com
SUMMARY:MBK Houston & Compudopt Computer Distribution
DESCRIPTION:My Brother’s Keeper Houston is proud to partner with Compudopt to help bridge the digital divide by providing free computers to families across Houston. Access to technology is essential for student success\, workforce readiness\, and staying connected in today’s digital world. Through this partnership\, eligible families will have the opportunity to receive a computer at no cost. Register above \nUpcoming Computer Distribution Dates\nMBK Houston and Compudopt will host computer distributions on the following dates: \n\nJanuary 31\nFebruary 7\nMarch 21\n\nFamilies must be registered in advance to be eligible for a computer. One computer will be provided per household\, and selected families will receive a text message with details on when and where to pick up their device. \nAbout Compudopt\nCompudopt is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and families through technology. Their mission is to eliminate the digital divide by providing computers and free or low-cost internet solutions to families who need them most. Compudopt believes that access to technology is a basic necessity for education\, economic mobility\, and lifelong learning. \nEach computer distributed through Compudopt includes a two-year warranty and free technical support\, ensuring families have ongoing assistance and reliable tools to support learning at home. \nHow to Register\nTo qualify for a free computer\, families must complete the registration process through Compudopt. When registering\, participants should select MBK under the question\, “What organization are you with?” to be considered for an MBK Houston distribution. \nOnce registered\, eligible families will be notified via text message with additional details regarding their distribution date and location. \nBuilding Opportunity Through Access\nThrough this partnership\, MBK Houston and Compudopt are working together to ensure that youth and families have the tools they need to succeed in school\, explore career opportunities\, and thrive in a technology-driven world. By increasing access to reliable devices\, this initiative supports educational equity and long-term community impact across Houston. \nFor more information or to register\, visit Compudopt’s website or scan the QR code on the flyer.
URL:https://draft.mbkhouston.com/event/mbk-houston-compudopt-computer-distribution/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260129T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260129T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T083621
CREATED:20260125T153947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T212111Z
UID:6296-1769693400-1769702400@draft.mbkhouston.com
SUMMARY:CONNECT: A Community Impact Forum
DESCRIPTION:Lite Bites. Big Ideas. Lasting Connections. \nMy Brother’s Keeper Houston invites community leaders\, organizations\, advocates\, and partners to CONNECT!\, a Community Impact Forum designed to strengthen collective action on behalf of boys and young men of color across Houston. \nThis forum will bring together individuals and organizations committed to advancing outcomes aligned with MBK Houston Milestones 3 through 5\, with a focus on shared learning\, partnership building\, and coordinated strategies that move the work forward. \nWhy CONNECT? \nThe challenges facing boys and young men of color do not exist in isolation. Neither should the solutions. CONNECT! creates space to: \n\nShare updates on the work currently underway across the city\nHighlight how organizations and systems are aligning efforts across education\, workforce\, and safety\nIdentify opportunities for collaboration\, partnership\, and resource sharing\nStrengthen collective impact that supports young people from adolescence into adulthood\n\nFocused on MBK Houston Milestones 3 through 5 \nThis forum will specifically spotlight collective strategies that support: \nMilestone 3: Ensuring all young people graduate from high school ready for college and career \nMilestone 4: Supporting access to postsecondary education\, training\, and credential attainment \nMilestone 5: Helping youth successfully transition into the workforce with meaningful employment opportunities \nParticipants will gain insight into how MBK Houston and its partners are working together to remove barriers\, align systems\, and create sustainable pathways for success. \nWho Should Attend? \n\nCommunity-based organizations and nonprofits\nEducation\, workforce\, and youth-serving partners\nPublic sector and civic leaders\nPhilanthropic organizations and funders\nAdvocates committed to improving outcomes for boys and young men of color\n\nWhether you are already engaged in MBK Houston’s work or looking to learn how to plug into a citywide collective impact effort\, your voice and perspective matter. \nEvent Details \nDate: January 29\, 2025\nTime: 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM\nLocation:\n6309 Guhn Road\nHouston\, TX 77040 \nLight refreshments will be provided. \nJoin Us \nCONNECT! is more than a forum. It is an opportunity to align vision with action\, build meaningful partnerships\, and deepen our shared commitment to long-term outcomes for Houston’s boys and young men of color. \nScan the QR code on the image or click to above button to RSVP today to be part of the conversation and the collective impact.
URL:https://draft.mbkhouston.com/event/connect-a-community-impact-forum/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming
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