The Out-of-School-Time Initiatives Conference, or OSTI-CON, is an annual event that gathers the nation’s leading out-of-school-time and expanded learning professionals in one location for a multi-day journey that sparks deep conversations and establishes life-long connections.
This year, VentureLab Certified Educator Johnny Rochell and VentureLab Director of Education Scott Mann did just that!
Johnny is a Texas ACE (Afterschool Centers on Education) site director for Education Service Center Region 13 he delivered an outstanding first conference workshop at OSTICON 2025!!!
The Hoodie Moment
Johnny shared the story of his ‘student with the hoodie’—a defining moment. This student had entrepreneurial ideas, a supporting family, and with the support of the afterschool program, powered by VentureLab, gained confidence in herself and her ideas…so much so, that it manifested in the moment educators dream about….she removed her hoodie and beamed with pride during a family engagement event. Moments like these put on display the power of entrepreneurial learning. Johnny relayed this message and transitioned into activities that the front-line staff, administrators, and family engagement specialist that were in the audience could take back and use to create their own ‘hoodie moments’.
What Did Participants Say?
Looking Ahead to OSTI-CON 2026
Be sure to check out OSTI-CON 2026! Attendees will find themselves energized as they take part in professional development activities that cannot be found anywhere else. OSTI-CON helps program staff to expand learning and youth development, by bringing education professionals to this cost-effective multi-day training with ample opportunities to network and benchmark. OSTI-CON is primarily designed for Texas ACE programs, but registration is open to all out-of-school time and expanded learning professionals. It is partially funded by the U.S. Department of Education Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant and is administered by the Texas Education Agency.
Curious how VentureLab can spark entrepreneurial thinking in your classroom or program? Schedule a call with Scott Mann, our Director of Education, and let’s explore what’s possible together.
