Join us on November 2nd, 2026, in Williamsburg!
This year’s theme is The Village We Build: Strengthening Youth and Communities. Our planning committee quickly decided on the village as our key focus. Inspired by the African proverb “it takes a Village to raise a child,”, we recognize that as out-of-school time educators and champions, we are a vital part of the collective who are responsible for the most vulnerable among us – children.
The Maasai people of Kenya and East Africa have a traditional greeting, “Kasserian Ingera”, which translates to “And how are the children?”. Asked of parents and non-parents alike, this greeting acknowledges that the health of a community and society is reflective of how children are treated. Youth must be centered and protected.
Our conference imagery depicts adults connected shoulder to shoulder, forming a protective circle that symbolizes an anchored shield. It takes a village to raise a child, but adults need a village too. We want to authentically belong and be cherished for who we are. We want to know that during our daily demands and in times of intense stress, we don’t have to go at it alone. We have our village to back us up.
📢 BE A PART OF THE EVENT!
We warmly welcome you to join us as a sponsor, exhibitor, or workshop presenter at the VPOST 17th Annual Conference. Our event will directly connect you with approximately 225 Out-of-School Time (OST) educators and leaders from across Virginia. As a partnering organization, we welcome your products, services, as well as the support and solutions you provide our educators, children, and families.
We have created a variety of opportunities that can be tailored to meet your organization’s goals. For more details, check out the info packets linked below; we would love to continue the conversation and eagerly await your partnership!
Roberta Newman OST Champion Award
Roberta Newman is a nationally recognized trainer, speaker, consultant, and author. Previously, Roberta directed the Fairfax County School-Age Child Care Program. She now lives on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, where she is President of The Eastern Shore Community College Foundation, Coordinator of Smart Beginnings Eastern Shore, Co-Chair of Eastern Shore Healthy Communities, and Coordinator of the annual Kids Count Forum.
Roberta’s connection to VPOST runs long and deep. She served on the Leadership Advisory Council from the beginning and was actively engaged in developing the VPOST Quality Standards for Out-of-School Time programs. She also served on the conference planning committees for statewide conferences for staff and community leaders. In addition, Roberta served on the inaugural Virginia Early Childhood Advisory Committee (ECAC), operated by the Virginia Department of Education to implement legislation passed during Governor Ralph Northam’s tenure.
This year and beyond, individuals selected to receive The Roberta Newman OST Champion Award will embody her legacy of work that has strengthened youth and communities for decades. Roberta is an integral part of VPOST’s village.
Previous Award Winners:
