Indiana Afterschool Network

🎉 Introducing Link IN Learns – the next chapter of IAN's Regional Meetings.

The Indiana Afterschool Network is excited to launch Link IN Learns, a refreshed series bringing together out-of-school time professionals for expert-led workshops, networking, and field-driven conversations that strengthen programs across Indiana.

Our Q3 meetings will focus on Behavioral Management & Mental Health, equipping frontline staff with tools and strategies they can use right away.

📍 Free for IAN Members
📍 $5 for Non-Members

IAN Members can register through the Member Portal on the Regional Engagement page. Non-members can register on our website at indianaafterschool.org/regional-engagement/

Register for a Q3 meeting near you!
• July 28 – Auburn (Region 3)
• Aug 20 – Indianapolis (Region 6)
• Aug 25 – Lafayette (Region 4)
• Aug 27 – Valparaiso (Region 1)
• Sept 2 – Lawrenceburg (Region 9)
• Sept 3 – Elkhart (Region 2)
• Sept 17 – Muncie (Region 7)
• Sept 22 – Bloomington (Region 8 )
• Sept 24 – Terre Haute (Region 5)
• Sept 29 – New Albany (Region 11)

We look forward to connecting with you at an upcoming Link IN Learn!

📅 Save the Date: 2027 Indiana Summit on Out-of-School Learning

Mark your calendars for April 13–14, 2027, as out-of-school time professionals, educators, partners, and community leaders from across Indiana gather at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville for two days of learning, connection, and inspiration.

The Summit brings together leaders and practitioners from across the OST field to share ideas, explore promising practices, and strengthen opportunities for young people across Indiana.

As we look ahead to next year, here are a few key dates to remember:
🎤 Presenter applications open: July 2026
📋 Registration opens: Fall 2026
🎉 Summit dates: April 13–14, 2027

More details on registration, hotel accommodations, and presenter opportunities will be shared in the coming months. We can't wait to see you in Noblesville!

Knox, Indiana hosted out-of-school time providers from across Region 1 last month to share, connect, and celebrate. 🤝🎉

We talked about what it really means to take care of ourselves so we can show up fully for the kids and families we serve. "You are important. You matter. You can't fill from an empty cup." Providers shared self-care practices that are actually working, and the conversation was honest, warm, and encouraging.

We also explored how to intentionally bring literacy into our everyday programming, turning ordinary moments into meaningful opportunities to learn and grow.

Most of all, we were reminded that we are not in this alone. Together we are stronger.

Thank you to the organizations that came together:
🌟 City Life Center of Northwest Indiana
🌟 The Starke County Youth Club
🌟 Michigan City Area Schools
🌟 Starke County Public Library System

Missed this meeting? Link IN Learns kick off in Q3 and you won't want to sit this one out!

🔗 Sign up for an upcoming meeting: indianaafterschool.org/regional-engagement/

Did you know access to telemedicine not only improves access to health care, but also reduces absenteeism and increases productivity for youth-serving professionals?

The Youth Worker Well-Being Project provides a no-cost, easy to access platform to help keep Indiana’s youth workers healthy and engaged.

👉 Learn more and attend an upcoming info session: iyi.org/youth-worker-well-being-project/telemedicine-virtual-mental-health-services/

| Indiana Youth Institute

Coming this July: Earn Your Indiana OST Literacy Credential Online 📚🖥️

The Indiana Afterschool Network kicked off the Indiana OST Literacy Credential at this year's Summit on Out-of-School Learning, where more than 160 individuals started their credential journey.

Beginning in mid-July, OST professionals across Indiana will be able to earn their credential online through the Indiana Out-of-School Academy. Participants can choose from different pathways based on their goals and may be eligible to earn a stipend of $350–$600 upon completion.

🔗 Complete the interest form to receive updates and be among the first to know when enrollment opens: indianaafterschool.org/literacy-playbook-credential/

Let’s talk about MyLocker. 📚

MyLocker is your one-stop-resource hub that supports out-of-school time professionals across Indiana with practical tools they can use in real-world programs. Explore lesson plans, activities, and curriculum resources on topics including literacy, STEM, social-emotional learning, and more.

Whether you’re looking for a new activity idea, a fresh approach to enrichment, or resources to support your staff, MyLocker was built to help OST professionals learn from and support one another.

Have a resource or idea that’s worked well in your program? Providers can also contribute their own content to share with fellow OST professionals across the state.

Explore MyLocker and discover tools created for Indiana’s OST community: www.indianaafterschool.org/mylocker/

Access to quality summer programming remains out of reach for many Indiana families, according to findings from the Afterschool Alliance’s America After 3PM survey. The latest report finds that parents of 424,740 Indiana children want access to summer programs, while only 175,163 children are enrolled.

In a new Indiana Capital Chronicle article, Indiana Afterschool Network CEO Lakshmi Hasanadka discusses statewide access challenges and the need for expanded out-of-school time opportunities.

📰 Read the full story: https://ow.ly/i3j850Z4ghm

A huge thank you to the YMCA of Kokomo for hosting and bringing together out-of-school time professionals from across Region 4! 💙

During our meeting, we had meaningful conversations around self-care, literacy, and important updates happening throughout the region. As summer programming quickly approaches, it was energizing to collaborate and prepare for the impact ahead. ☀️📚

Region 4 continues to demonstrate the strength of community partnerships and the dedication of organizations working every day to support youth and families.

Shoutout to the organizations that joined us:

✨ Miami County YMCA
✨ The Training Center
✨ 4C Health
✨ Insanitek Research & Development
✨ Kokomo Family YMCA
✨ Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northern Indiana Corridor
✨ Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Region
✨ Indiana Youth Institute
✨ Carver Community Center
✨ Bauer Family Resources

Thank you to everyone who continues showing up for young people and strengthening the out-of-school time community across Indiana. 💛

This month, out-of-school time providers from Region 2 gathered at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County to celebrate Thank A Youth Worker Day and spend intentional time focusing on self-care, connection, and community. 💙

One important reminder we shared together: We can’t pour from an empty cup. Youth workers give so much of themselves every day, and making space for wellness and support matters.

Region 2 continues to show what a strong OST community looks like – collaborative, passionate, and deeply committed to young people. These organizations are doing incredible work and are always looking for volunteers, partners, and community support to help continue their impact. ⭐

A huge shoutout to the organizations that joined us:
✨ E3 Robotics Center
✨ School Care Team
✨ Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County
✨ South Bend Code School
✨ Purdue Extension Elkhart County
✨ Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northern Indiana Corridor
✨ La Casa de Amistad
✨ Oaklawn Psychiatric Center
✨ Tolson Center ∙ Centro Tolson
✨ Ball State University

Thank you to everyone who continues to show up for youth, families, and one another.