ICAN

Fabulous Arizona has selected ICAN as its Nonprofit of the Month! ❤️💙🤍💚

From a grassroots effort in Chandler to programs serving youth and families across the East Valley, ICAN’s story continues to grow.

Thank you, Fabulous Arizona, for helping shine a light on the critical role no-cost out-of-school time programs play for families in underserved communities.

ICAN is more than a place to go after school. It is a source of support families can count on, helping youth build confidence while giving working parents peace of mind.

Read the full article to learn more about the youth and families we serve and the community support behind ICAN’s impact: https://bit.ly/4wDYyq0

Our ICAN Mesa kiddos stepped back in time during a visit to the Arizona Museum of Natural History! 🦖🦴🔎

From fossils to prehistoric discoveries, youth explored history in a hands-on way and enjoyed a day full of curiosity.

We love seeing learning come to life beyond the classroom!

ICAN CEO Shelby Pedersen, is in the spotlight with Fabulous Arizona!

As part of their Fabulous People series, the article highlights Shelby’s leadership, her heart for ICAN’s mission, and her belief that youth and families thrive when children have the right support.

Thank you, Fabulous Arizona, for sharing Shelby’s story and helping shine a light on ICAN’s no-cost out-of-school time programs that provide critical support for youth and working families in underserved East Valley communities.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4aZckuP

Saddle up, partners, for dreamBIG 2026! 🤠💎

ICAN’s signature gala is riding into the Arizona Biltmore for Boots, Bling & Big Dreams, an evening where western charm meets meaningful impact in support of ICAN youth and families.

🗓 Friday, November 20, 2026
📍 Arizona Biltmore

🎫 Tickets will go on sale in early fall, with more details coming soon! Dust off your boots, add a little sparkle, and stay tuned.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available and help ICAN continue providing critical, no-cost out-of-school time programs for youth and families who need them most. To learn more, contact JR Robertson at [email protected]. 

A BIG western thank you to our dreamBIG Co-Chairs, Christine Melancon and Sara Martin, and Presenting Sponsor, Big Two Toyota of Chandler, for helping make dreamBIG possible.

Today, we celebrate the birthday of Henry Salinas, ICAN’s founder and the heart behind our mission.

Henry believed every child deserved a safe place to grow and a community that believed in their potential. That vision continues to guide ICAN’s work every day as we support youth and families across our community.

Happy Birthday, Henry! Your legacy continues to inspire all we do. ❤️💙🤍💚

Our ICAN teens recently visited notMYkid for a powerful day of learning and reflection.

Through conversations about resilience, mental health, healthy choices, and relationships, teens explored important skills that can support them in school, at home, and in life.

We’re grateful to notMYkid for creating a space where our teens could learn, ask questions, and think about the choices that shape their future. ❤️💙🤍💚

We’re proud to celebrate Laura Bode, ICAN’s Chief Advancement Officer, on being named a 2026 Phoenix Titan 100!

The Titan 100 recognizes the region’s top CEOs and C-level executives who are making a meaningful impact through their leadership and vision.

Laura’s commitment to building strong relationships and advancing opportunities for youth and families makes this recognition especially meaningful. We’re excited to see her honored alongside an outstanding group of leaders shaping the future of our community.

Congratulations, Laura!

It's National Summer Learning Week, and things were bubbling at ICAN during Mad Scientist Fun Day! 🧪✨

Across our Chandler and Mesa sites, youth showed off their curiosity through hands-on science projects like Unpoppable Bubbles, Solar Baking Ovens, Bursting Volcanoes, and Rainbow Rain. 🫧🍪🌋🌈

From bubbling reactions to cookie-powered solar ovens, our young scientists explored just how exciting experimenting can be!

A big science-powered THANK YOU to our amazing volunteer groups—Amy Jones Real Estate Group, Community on Purpose, State Farm, and Desert Financial Credit Union—for helping to make this special day possible for ICAN youth!

We’re proud to join National Summer Learning Association to support National Summer Learning Week (July 6–10, 2026) —a nationwide celebration of summer learning and the programs and partners helping young people learn, grow, and thrive all summer long.

Explore resources and join the movement: https://bit.ly/47noewP