Indiana Afterschool Network

Kicking off IAN's new Link IN Learn series in Auburn, IN! 🚀

Link IN Learn is a collaborative experience built for the out-of-school time field. Through facilitated roundtable discussions focused on targeted topics, providers came together to dive deep into Behavior Management, tackling real challenges and sharing practical solutions.

Liz Sukys facilitated a working group focused on building a shared “toolbox” of resources for providers. Dr. Jen Spencer also joined us to present “Calling Collapse,” a timely reminder for providers to prioritize self-care and guard against burnout.

A big thank you to our host, Chelsey Robinson and the YMCA of DeKalb County, and our Regional Leaders Rachel Bryant and Alyssa Bertsch, for helping make this first Link IN Learn possible.

🔗 Link IN Learns are heading across the state this fall! Visit indianaafterschool.org/regional-engagement/ to register for a meeting near you.

We’re grateful to the organizations and partners who joined us in strengthening connections across Indiana’s OST field:

🔹 OECOSL
🔹 The Training Center
🔹 IAN Public Policy Committee
🔹 Boys and Girls Club of Adams County
🔹 United Way of DeKalb County
🔹 Brightpoint
🔹 Upward Bound at Indiana Wesleyan University
🔹 Playworks Indiana
🔹 Educating Consulting Services, LLC
🔹 Parkview Huntington Family YMCA

We're proud to share that Brittni Johnson, IAN's Senior Director of In-School and Out-of-School Partnerships, has been appointed to serve on the Indiana Early Learning Advisory Committee!

Appointed by Governor Mike Braun, Brittni will fill one of two newly created seats representing Indiana's out-of-school time field. These seats were created through legislation IAN helped champion during the 2025 legislative session, ensuring out-of-school time providers and professionals have a formal voice in statewide policy conversations.

With 19+ years of experience across early childhood, K-12 education, and OST, Brittni brings valuable expertise to the committee and will help represent the field as recommendations are developed that impact youth, families, and providers across Indiana.

Join us in congratulating Brittni on this well-deserved appointment! 🎉

Read the full announcement at the link in our bio.

We're now accepting presentation proposals for the 2027 Indiana Summit on Out-of-School Learning, and we'd love to hear from you!

The Summit is strongest when it reflects the real experiences, ideas, and expertise of people working across Indiana's out-of-school time field. Whether you have a strategy that's working, a lesson others could learn from, or a fresh perspective to share, there are several ways to get involved.

🎤 Submit a Breakout Session Proposal by August 14
🔗 https://ow.ly/zMoz50ZrWTO

📚 Propose a Literacy Keynote Session by August 21
🔗 https://ow.ly/cKai50ZrWTU

📝 Apply to Join the Proposal Review Team by August 3. Reviewers who complete all assigned reviews by the deadline will receive 50% off 2027 Summit registration.
🔗 https://ow.ly/pZ6750ZrWTP

Whether you're presenting, reviewing, or attending, we hope you'll be part of the 2027 Indiana Summit on Out-of-School Learning. Save the date for April 13–14, 2027 in Noblesville!

Q2 wrapped up with OST professionals coming together in southwest Indiana. 🌟

Our final Regional Meeting (now Link IN Learns!) at Thrive Afterschool in Mount Vernon created space for providers to connect, share program opportunities and discuss ways to weave literacy into OST programming.

A huge thank you to Joy Millay and the entire Thrive Afterschool team for hosting us! And thank you to the organizations who showed up dedicated to strengthening our field.

🌟 Thrive
🌟 Have A Blast With Granddad
🌟 YMCA of Southwestern IN
🌟 Boys & Girls Club of Evansville

Missed this meeting? Join us for our Q3 Link IN Learn in southwest Indiana! This new regional, roundtable experience brings together OST professionals to share ideas, discuss challenges, and learn from one another.

📅 September 15 | Evansville, IN (Region 10)
🧠 Behavioral Management & Mental Health
💲 Free for IAN members | $5 for non-members (lunch included)

Register: https://indianaafterschool.swoogo.com/091526-evansville

If your program is a nonprofit serving Indiana youth, it's worth seeing if you're eligible for this opportunity.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is seeking information from Indiana nonprofit human service organizations to better understand the current landscape and shape future grantmaking priorities. Having organizations that serve youth and families can help ensure future funding reflects the needs of communities across Indiana.

While many out-of-school time programs may not meet the criteria, some organizations in our network may qualify. Key requirements include:

• Direct services for individuals and families facing hardship
• 501(c)(3) public charity status
• 1+ full-time staff member and $100K+ budget
• Indiana presence with 3+ years of direct service work

Review the full requirements to determine whether this opportunity applies to your organization.

📅 Submissions are due July 31, 2026.

🔗 Learn more and review criteria: https://ow.ly/MxOY50ZoVqU

A room full of OST professionals means a room full of ideas, connections, and shared experiences.

Last month, we gathered at the Floyd County YMCA in New Albany for a morning of conversation and collaboration with local providers. It was a great opportunity to share what’s happening across our communities this summer and learn from one another.

A huge thank you to the Floyd County Family YMCA for hosting us! We also appreciate Clark County Family YMCA, The Scott County Family YMCA, Blue River Services, Inc., and CAST Washington County for joining the conversation.

Missed this meeting? Join the conversation in Q3 at a Link IN Learn! This new regional series offers a collaborative, roundtable experience where OST professionals can share ideas, solve challenges, and learn from one another.

Register for the first Region 11 Link IN Learn:
📅 September 29 | New Albany, IN
🧠 Topic: Behavioral Management & Mental Health
💲 Free for IAN members | $5 for non-members (lunch included)

Register here: indianaafterschool.swoogo.com/092926-newalbany

Big news: the Indiana OST Literacy Credential is now available online!

Created specifically for out-of-school time professionals, this no-cost credential explores the Science of Reading and provides practical strategies that can be incorporated into everyday OST programming.

Want to get started? It's self-paced, designed to fit busy schedules, and eligible participants may receive a stipend upon completion.

Whether literacy shows up during homework help, STEM activities, enrichment programs, or group discussions, this credential is designed to support the important work OST professionals already do every day.

🔗 Learn more and get started today: indianaafterschool.org/literacy-playbook-credential/