Free Conference Aims to Elevate Afterschool Professionals Across Palm Beach County
Prime Time Palm Beach County Afterschool Symposium 2026
West Palm Beach, FL - May 8, 2026 - Prime Time Palm Beach County is proud to host its annual Afterschool Symposium 2026, a premier professional development event for afterschool professionals. This milestone year’s theme, “Lighting the Way: 25 Years of Afterschool Excellence,” celebrates a quarter-century of commitment, innovation and impact in afterschool while charting a bold course for the future of the field.
This event is made possible by our funders, partners and sponsors:
- The Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County, funder
- The Frederick A. Deluca Foundation, partner
- The United Way of Palm Beach County, Out-of-school Champion Sponsor
- Mizzen Education, Out-of-school Time Leader Sponsor
- Palm Beach State College, Out-of-School Time Leader Sponsor
- Grant Thornton, Out-of-School Time Partner Sponsor
The symposium will take place on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the West Palm Beach Marriott, located at 1001 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the day features a welcoming professional recognition ceremony, interactive workshop blocks, and the Advancing Afterschool Awards honoring outstanding leaders and practitioners in the field.
“We are honored to bring together educators, youth development professionals and community partners to celebrate 25 years of afterschool excellence,” said Nicole Edwards, Ph.D. of Prime Time Palm Beach County.
“This year’s symposium not only reflects on the tremendous legacy of afterschool programs, we are igniting new ideas that will Light the Way forward for generations of youth and practitioners.”
Keynote speaker Nicole Edwards, Ph.D., a leadership expert, TEDx speaker and Amazon bestselling author, will bring insights on empowering individuals and building meaningful partnerships. Emcee Tevin Ali, nationally acclaimed motivational speaker and two-time Amazon #1 bestselling author, will guide the event with high energy and inspiration. The symposium will feature practice-ready workshops focused on critical priorities, including:
- Legacy and Impact: Reflecting on the field’s evolution and achievements over 25 years.
- The Power of Partnerships: Showcasing collaborations that sustain and grow out-of-school time programs.
- Wellness and Healing-Centered Practice: Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of youth and staff.
- Innovation and Bright Ideas: Highlighting creative, youth-centered learning approaches.
- The Next 25 Years: Exploring the future of out-of-school time with youth leadership, technology and sustainability.
About Prime Time Palm Beach County
Prime Time Palm Beach County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of out-of-school time programs so that children and youth have safe, engaging environments to learn, thrive, and build meaningful futures. Working with practitioners, partners and communities, Prime Time advances quality standards that elevate youth development and expanded learning opportunities across Palm Beach County and beyond. For more information, visit https://primetimepbc.org/afterschool-sym-2026/
