AFTER-SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM (A.S.A.P.)
Since 1997, the city of Houston has funded after-school programming for youth through the Mayor's After-School Achievement Program (A.S.A.P.). This program is designed to engage juveniles in structured, supervised activities after school to reduce juvenile crime and victimization during these dangerous hours.
Through A.S.A.P., the City of Houston funds schools and non-profit agencies to provide after-school programming for a minimum of 30 children per site, at least five days per week between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Each funded school or non-profit organization sets its own curricula, usually with input from students, parents and other collaborative partners. However, each curriculum must incorporate academic enhancement, enrichment, skill development and community service.
Programming must be provided for a minimum of 20 children per site, at least five days per week. Funded schools and organizations set their own curricula in collaboration with students, teachers, parents and program partners.
The A.S.A.P. Goals are as follows:
- To provide safe, supervised, structured programming for youth after school
- To prevent delinquency and reduce crime committed by/against juveniles
- To improve participants’ school performance, conduct, and attendance
- To encourage the ongoing involvement of parents and the community in youth programs.
- To motivate youth to develop citizenship and good health habits
- To build positive partnerships to create fun, affordable, quality after-school programming for youth
HOW TO APPLY
The Request for Proposal (RFP) for the upcoming 2023 After-School Achievement Program is expected to be released soon. To be considered for funding, interested applicants must attend at least one mandatory application workshop, and meet the minimum requirements of the program.
All applicants/vendors must be a registered vendor with the City of Houston Strategic Procurement Division prior to submitting a ASAP application to conduct business with the City. The link to apply is http://purchasing.houstontx.gov/index.shtml.
AFTER-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (A.E.P.)
-
Download Flyer and List of Locations
-
Online Registration
-
Online Registration Instructions
The After-School Enrichment Program (AEP) is a fun recreational and cultural enrichment program for youth ages 6 - 13. Registration is required for this fun-filled program. Youth participants are engaged in a wide variety of activities that include crafts, nutrition, fun fitness, nature exploration and instructional sports. The program is available at 51 HPARD community centers with a heightened sense of cleaning and safety measures as this program has high physical contact with surfaces, people and equipment coupled with proximity.
Parents are required to review and acknowledge a program orientation via ActiveNet registration process. Transportation to and from the community center is the parent’s responsibility. Staff to youth participant ratio is 1:25 with qualified professional recreation staff and background checks are required for all volunteers and partnerships.
The program is FREE of charge for all participants. Online registration will be available and can be accessed at https://apm.activecommunities.com/houstonparks/Home OR www.houstonparks.org.
HPARD's Afterschool Enrichment Program operates under "Texas Standards of Care" as defined by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. Additionally, field trips may be scheduled at minimum cost.
| Ages: |
6 - 13 years old |
| Fees: |
FREE |
| Registration: |
Online registration required
Ongoing pending space availability. |
| Program Dates |
TBA |
| Location: |
Download list of locations |
| Information: |
For more information call 832.395.7295 or 832.395.7296 |
SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (S.E.P.)
-
Program Flier and Locations
-
Online Registration
-
Online Registration Instructions
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We appreciate your interest in the Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s 2025 Summer Enrichment Program, originally set to begin registration on April 1, 2025. Due to unforeseen circumstances, registration has been postponed until May 5, 2025.
We understand this may cause some inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience as we work to ensure a smooth registration process for all families. The program will still take place from June 9 – August 15, 2025, at select HPARD Community Center locations, offering a fun and enriching experience for youth ages 6-13.
We will provide updates as more information becomes available. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out for assistance. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Houston Parks and Recreation Department
Frequently asked questions about Summer Enrichment Program - Click here
BACK TO TOP
OPENING DOORS TEEN MENTOR PROGRAM
The Opening Doors Teen Mentor Program, is an 8-week program that gives teens ages 14-17, an opportunity to participate in community service projects, mentor younger peers, develop their character and improve their self-worth, while preparing them for their future endeavors. Opening Doors Teens will also have the opportunity to interview city leaders, build resumes, and prep for college. Each week the teens will learn new skills, enhance their current skills, and open up their minds to opportunities they never knew existed. HPARD Jr. Lifeguard Program is included with the acceptance into the Opening Doors Program. The Opening Doors Teen Mentor Program starts June 16 - August 7, 2025, Monday through Thursday 8:00am to 6:00pm, and is located at the Judson Robinson, Jr. Community Center.
*A virtual interview is required for each teen to be considered for the program but does not guarantee enrollment.
*SPACE IS LIMITED*
| Program Dates |
Jun. 16 - Aug. 7, 2025 (Mon. - Thu.)
|
| Time: |
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Fee: |
$30 per week; per participant, pending program acceptance* |
| Location: |
Judson Robinson, Jr. Community Center |
| * Exemptions available for those who qualify |
AFTER SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAM
The After-School Meal Program provides a snack and supper to youth ages 18 and under who participate in programming at one of 45 H.P.A.R.D. community centers or at approved partner sites. It is funded by a grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture (T.D.A.) Child and Adult Care Food Program (C.A.C.F.P.). Sites were approved by the T.D.A. based on their eligibility requirements, which designate eligible areas as those served by a school in which 50% or more of the children enrolled are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals.
There are no enrollment requirements for the C.A.C.F.P. program. Participating youth will be served a free snack and supper between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, from September 6, 2022, through May 31, 2023. H.P.A.R.D. manages the program for the City of Houston and participating sites are sponsored under H.P.A.R.D. The facility hosting the program must provide educational or enrichment activities, be open to all children, and not limit participation or membership on the basis of the child’s ability. H.P.A.R.D. accepts registrations throughout the year from groups interested in becoming an After-School Meal Program site. Groups that would like to register to become an After-School Meal Program Site may contact Rummeka Allen at 713.676.6832.
| Ages: |
1 - 18 |
| Registration: |
Not Required |
| Fee: |
FREE |
| Program Dates |
TBA |
| Time: |
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Location: |
Printable pdf |
| Information: |
713.676.6832 |
BACK TO TOP
SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
Since 1980, HPARD has sponsored the Summer Food Service Program for youth ages 18 and under. The nutritious packed lunches are prepared and delivered daily to each site and comply with federal and state requirements. They include one serving of milk, two or more servings of vegetables and/or fruits, one serving of grain or bread, and one serving of meat or meat alternative.
| Offers: |
Lunches and snacks at over 200 sites across the city for children ages 1 – 18 to replace meals provided during the school year. No registration is required. HPARD has sponsored this program since 1980. |
| Ages: |
1 - 18 |
| Fee: |
Free (no registration required) |
| Locations: |
Over 200 sites across Houston and Harris County |
| Days: |
Jun. 5 – Aug. 18 (Weekdays only) |
| Time: |
Breakfast: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lunch: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
|
| Information: |
2-1-1 (and give operator your zip code for closest site to you)
713.676.6832
|
SOCCER FOR SUCCESS
Soccer for Success is an after-school program, offered free to participants, that is proven to help kids establish healthy habits and develop critical life skills through trained mentors and family engagement.
Partnering with community-based organizations, like the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the U.S. Soccer Foundation operates Soccer for Success sites.
Across the U.S., they are providing thousands of children in grades K-8 with free after-school programming. Houston Soccer for Success serves around 1,500 youth through 8 sites in the Houston Area.
The program meets 3 times a week for 75-90 minutes per session over two 12 week seasons each year. That includes two practices and one game day each week. Each participant receives a Soccer for Success jersey at the end of the season.
| Ages: |
5 – 14 years |
| Fee: |
Free |
| Time: |
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
| 2025 Spring Season Dates: |
Feb 10 - May 9, 2025 |
| 2025 Spring Season Registration Dates: |
Jan 13 - 31, 2025 |
| 2025 Fall Season Dates: |
Sep 8 – Dec 12, 2025 |
| 2025 Fall Season Registration Dates: |
Jul 1 - Aug 31, 2025 |
| Location: |
Alief Park, Milby Park, Highland Park, Burnett-Bayland Park, Emancipation Park, Moody Park |
| Online Registration Link: |
www.houstonsoccerforsuccess.org |
| Information: |
832.395.7576
larry.nguyen2@houstontx.gov
adrian.juarez@houstontx.gov |
H-TOWN SOCCER ACADEMY
In 2017 HPARD started a competitive youth soccer program with the intention of providing an accessible and ideal environment for developing elite soccer players ages 6 - 18. It is the sequential bridge from recreational level play for youth who want to challenge themselves with a higher level of play emphasizing healthy competition and positive sportsmanship.
Our primary objective is to reach out to youth in underserved communities and provide a quality competitive soccer club experience that is affordable, equitable, and inclusive. We aim to coach youth high level soccer skills, tactics, fitness and conditioning, winning with graciousness, and losing with dignity and honor.
H-town Soccer Academy is a member of the Houston Youth Soccer Association (HYSA), South Texas Youth Soccer Association (STYSA), and United States Youth Soccer (USYS).
YOUTH BASKETBALL PROGRAM
Youth Basketball Program with Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD), Houston Rockets and The Greater Houston Police Activities League (GHPAL) will offer a recreational youth basketball program while providing a safe environment. Youth will learn at practices sport-specific skills, such as throwing, catching, dribbling, shooting, defense, agility, and speed. In addition, they will learn motor skills development, fitness conditioning, and have opportunities for healthy competition. Program meets twice per week on either TUE/THU or MON/WED for 1 hour per practice; End-of-Season Tournament will be held at Fonde Community Center.
| SPRING |
| Ages: |
9 - 14 yrs |
| Fee: |
Free |
| Program Dates: |
TBA |
| Practice Days: |
TBA |
| Game Days: |
TBA |
| End-of-Season Tournament: |
TBA |
| Locations: |
Alief, Fonde, Moody, Sunnyside, Hartman, N. Wayside, Tidwell, Denver Harbor, Marian, Robinson Jr., Townwood, Emancipation, Sagemont, Woodland
|
| Registration Dates: |
TBA |
| Online Registration Links: |
Home | Houston Parks and Recreation Department Online |
| Information: |
832.395.7326 (Printable Flier) |
| SUMMER |
| Ages: |
9 - 14 yrs |
| Fee: |
Free |
| Program Dates: |
Jun 23 - Jul 25, 2025 |
| End-of-Season Tournament: |
Jul 26, 2025 (Fonde Community Center) |
| Locations: |
Alief, Denver Harbor, Emancipation, Love, Marian, Melrose, Moody, Robinson Jr., Robinson Sr., Sagemont, Stude, Sunnyside, Townwood, Fonde, Tidwell, N. Wayside, Kendall, Woodland.
|
| Registration Dates: |
Jun 2 - Jul 6, 2025 |
| Online Registration Links: |
Home | Houston Parks and Recreation Department Online |
| Information: |
832.395.7326 |
FIRST TEE OF HOUSTON
In August 2014, the First Tee of Greater Houston adopted responsibility for the operations of the youth program and the facility’s ground maintenance while the City of Houston retained ownership of the property. The First Tee provides programs for youth 7-18 years old of age that teach character development, healthy habits, and life skills using the game of golf.
For program information, please visit
https://firstteegreaterhouston.org/
ASTROS JR. RBI LEAGUE
Join HPARD and our hometown Houston Astros for our FREE, Jr. RBI Baseball, Softball and T-ball program for youth ages 4-18.
League play begins March 18, 2023 and runs through April 29, 2023.
Register in person from January 17 – February 27, 2023, at 13 target league sites.
Volunteer Coaches are needed, and training is provided. Contact your nearest Community Center for more information.
| Ages: |
4 - 18 |
| Fee: |
Free |
| Registration Dates: |
TBA |
| Registration Times: |
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, Weekdays |
| Registration: |
Register in person at Target League Sites |
| Location: |
Download a pdf of Targeted League Site Locations |
| Information: |
832.395.7275
832.395.7276
832.395.2777 |
INSTRUCTIONAL JR. RBI AT BAT PROGRAM
Youth ages 6 -13 may also take part in Fun At Bat Instructional Baseball skills learning on Wednesdays at 53 Community Centers for registered After-School Enrichment Program participants.
Register online for the FREE After-School Enrichment Program at
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/houstonparks/home?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true.
> HPARD > Youth Sports and Recreation
