HPA Connecting ELO-P Partners at BOOST
Last week, the High Performance Academy (HPA) team connected with expanded learning leaders from across the country at the 2026 BOOST Conference in Palm Springs.
BOOST brings together educators, district leaders, and community-based organizations working to design and deliver impactful expanded learning programs. For HPA, it was an opportunity to not only share our approach, but to listen, learn, and build meaningful connections with those leading this work every day.
Creating an Experience, Not Just a Booth
At BOOST, HPA set out to do something different.
Rather than relying on traditional booth materials, we invited attendees to experience our programming firsthand.
Our space featured a BlazePod reaction challenge, an interactive activity we use in our programming to build focus, coordination, and engagement through movement. A live leaderboard drew participants in, created friendly competition, and brought people back throughout the conference.
But the activation was just the entry point.
Once attendees engaged—or even paused to watch—we connected with them in conversation. We learned about their roles within expanded learning and explored how HPA could support and strengthen their sports and enrichment programming.
To bring the full picture to life, we designed the booth as an immersive installation of the HPA experience:
- A full turf setup, bringing the field into the conference space
- Agility equipment, sports balls, and a goal to visualize real program environments
- An HPA Coach’s Locker display, paired with a screen cycling through program activity cards and coaching profiles
The goal was simple:
Help people see what HPA actually looks like in action.
And it worked.
The setup sparked curiosity, led to deeper conversations, and created a steady flow of repeat visitors. One of the most meaningful moments came from the handful of children attending the conference—who consistently gravitated toward the booth, engaged with the activities, and reminded us who this work is truly for.
Engaging with the Expanded Learning Ecosystem
Beyond the booth, BOOST provided valuable opportunities to connect with a diverse group of attendees—from site coordinators and district leaders to nonprofit partners and expanded learning providers.
These conversations reinforced a shared reality across the field:
- Strong partnerships between districts and providers are essential
- Social-emotional learning and physical activity are not supplemental—they are foundational
HPA’s model sits directly at the intersection of these priorities, and BOOST created space to explore how that alignment can translate into real partnerships.
Learning from Leaders Across the Field
Our team also intentionally engaged in sessions that strengthened both program delivery and organizational strategy.
We attended workshops focused on:
- Designing multi-dimensional learning experiences
- Creating active and inclusive environments for youth
- Supporting social-emotional development through movement
These sessions validated many aspects of HPA’s approach to structured, movement-based programming.
On the strategic side, sessions like “Show the Impact, Protect Your Budget” and “Coaching for Impact” provided valuable insight into how districts evaluate programs, justify funding, and build sustainable partnerships.
These learnings will directly inform how we:
- Communicate our impact
- Support district partners
- Scale programming in a sustainable way
Strengthening Our Approach Through Feedback and Listening
One of the strongest themes that emerged throughout the conference was the importance of listening more intentionally to students, families, and communities.
Across sessions, conversations, and partner discussions, there was a consistent call to better understand how programs are meeting needs—and where they can improve.
For HPA, this reinforces an important focus moving forward:
continuing to build systems that gather meaningful feedback and translate it into stronger programming, stronger partnerships, and better outcomes for youth.
Building Relationships That Lead to Impact
BOOST was a powerful reminder that expanded learning is not built in isolation.
It requires collaboration between:
- Schools and districts
- Community-based organizations
- Program providers
- Educators and site leaders
Events like BOOST, focused on connecting ELO-P partners, create the space for these relationships to form and grow, —and for ideas to turn into action.
Looking Ahead
As expanded learning continues to evolve, HPA remains focused on supporting schools and districts with programming that is not only engaging, but intentional, structured, and aligned with student outcomes.
We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of the BOOST community and to connect with so many individuals committed to this work.
If you connected with the HPA team during BOOST—or are interested in exploring how movement-based programming can support students on your campus—we’d love to continue the conversation.
