Indiana Afterschool Network

Indiana Afterschool Network We see Indiana as a place where ALL K-12 youth have access to high quality learning experiences beyond the school day that prepare them for success.

Focus Areas:

- Build a case for Out-Of-School Time Programs to help funders and individuals understand the importance of their support.
- Provide increased program access for students. Help communities identify new opportunities, coordinate resources and expand programs.
- Create alignment and relationships between education and workforce to increase student success. OUR GOALS

- Create stronger

teams and higher quality programs by establishing standards, best practices, and evaluative tools that help measure success.
- Build a case for the importance of out-of-school time as integral to student growth and development. By doing this, we help foundations, organizations, and individuals understand the value of investing money, time, and resources in out-of-school time.
- Provide increased access to students by enlarging existing programs, developing new opportunities, and bringing more awareness to all programs.
- Nurture the alignment of education and workforce by improving communication and helping students understand their communities and the roles they play within them. HISTORY
IAN began in 2001 as a grassroots effort of school districts and afterschool providers, supported by the Indiana Department of Education. By 2007, IAN had engaged diverse leaders to obtain funding from national and local foundations, corporate sponsors, and several Indiana city/county government entities. We now have thousands of partners across the fields of education, youth development, business, government, faith-based and community organizations in Indiana and nationally. Among those we enjoy the generous support of the C.S. Mott Foundation, the Lilly Endowment, the Lumina Foundation, and many corporate supporters. IAN works closely with the Afterschool Alliance and the National Afterschool Association.

Meaningful connections make our out-of-school time community stronger. 💡Thank you to everyone who joined us in Bedford f...
06/15/2026

Meaningful connections make our out-of-school time community stronger. 💡

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Bedford for our Region 8 meeting! Providers and community partners from across Lawrence County came together to share updates, discuss local needs, and explore ways to strengthen opportunities for youth and families.

One of the highlights was a conversation around literacy and the many ways it shows up in OST programs. From storytelling and communication to problem-solving and play – OST programs help young people build literacy skills every day.

A special thank you to our partners who joined the conversation:

Hoosier Uplands 21st CCLC Afterschool Programs
Lawrence County Independent Schools
Brown County Schools
Purdue Extension - Lawrence County
Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living (SICIL)
Lakeshore Learning
Indiana Youth Institute
Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning

As Regional Meetings transition to Link IN Learns next month, we're excited to continue creating opportunities for networking, learning, and field-driven conversations that strengthen programs across Indiana.

Ready to join the conversation? Register for an upcoming Link IN Learn at: indianaafterschool.org/regional-engagement

06/12/2026

"We want our students to go back to school ready, not behind."

For Lauren Carpenter and her team at The Ark of Safety Inc., that's exactly why they joined the IAN Literacy Playbook and why literacy support beyond the school day matters. 📚

As an Indianapolis-based out-of-school time program, The Ark of Safety has used the Literacy Playbook and coaching from IAN Literacy Coach Katy DeShone to strengthen literacy experiences for the youth they serve through greater structure, consistency, and staff support.

This is the first spotlight in our new Literacy in Action series, where we'll hear directly from Literacy Playbook grantees across Indiana about how they're integrating literacy into their programs and why it matters for student success.

🔗 Hear The Ark of Safety's story, then visit indianaafterschool.org/literacyplaybook to learn more about how the IAN Literacy Playbook can support your OST program.

🎉 Introducing Link IN Learns – the next chapter of IAN's Regional Meetings.The Indiana Afterschool Network is excited to...
06/10/2026

🎉 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 LearningMark your calendars for April 13–14, 2027, as out-of-schoo...
06/04/2026

📅 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...
06/03/2026

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 ...
06/02/2026

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 Ind...
06/01/2026

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...
05/29/2026

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/

05/28/2026

The Indiana Afterschool Network is honored to recognize Senator Stacey Donato as the 2026 recipient of the Guardian of Out-of-School Time Award. Selected by IAN’s Public Policy Committee, this award recognizes a state legislator who demonstrates strong leadership in advancing out-of-school time policy in Indiana.

Senator Donato was recognized for her sponsorship and support of HEA 1018, which modernizes Indiana’s School Age Child Care grant by increasing flexibility around transportation needs and helping expand access to high-quality out-of-school time programs across the state.

The award was presented at the Cass County Family Y in District 18 – a full-circle moment as Senator Donato previously worked there earlier in her career.

Thank you, Senator Donato, for your continued leadership and commitment to Indiana’s youth and families.

Access to quality summer programming remains out of reach for many Indiana families, according to findings from the Afte...
05/26/2026

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

Address

303 N Alabama Street, Ste 210
Indianapolis, IN
46204

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+13178228211

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