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Indiana Statewide Newsletter

December 2021

News & Policy

IAN Consultant Wanted!

Strengthening In-School/Out-of-School Alignment for Accelerated Student Learning in Indiana

The Indiana Afterschool Networking is seeking a consultant to help proactively support both schools and community-based organizations by facilitating partnership development and alignment between schools and OST programs. This is part of a larger effort to help mobilize OST to support accelerated learning in Indiana.


IAN is seeking someone with knowledge and experience in the formal educational systems of schools who also understands the operations, context, and strengths of youth development and informal education in OST settings. We anticipate that this project will constitute the initial phase of a longer initiative that will extend into the 2022-2023 school year.


Responses Due By:

January 17, 2022


Proposals Should Be Submitted by Email to:

Lamont Hulse

Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives

Indiana Afterschool Network

lhulse@indianaafterschool.org

Read the Full Project Description

Save the Date: Indiana Afterschool Network Trailblazer Series

Beginning January 18, 2021

“Trailblazers point the way, take the risks, and change the environment. They have a vision for a different future, a faith that turns their dreams into reality, and a determination that cuts through barriers and obstacles.”

-- Linda Cureton - Former Chief Information Officer, NASA

Save the date for IAN's newest professional development offering: The Trailblazer Series.


The Trailblazer Virtual Series empowers afterschool professionals with resources and strategies to create impact in their programs and organizations. This experience will provide an in-depth learning opportunity for participants to build knowledge with colleagues and grow in the practice of serving youth.


For each topic in the series there will be two live virtual sessions to engage with content experts and analyze best practices, combined with guides in between sessions for reflection on and analysis of personal practice. In addition to professional growth and connecting with colleagues, benefits of the Trailblazer experience include time to implement strategies and receive expert feedback, as well as continued support from IAN after the series.


The Trailblazer Series will focus on key topics in the administration of afterschool programs including social emotional learning, staff compensation, organization sustainability, and program culture. Seats will be limited to help ensure an engaging experience for all.


Join us for our first session in the series:


Sustainability | Fundraising & Fund Management

With Transform Consulting Group



Part I - January 18, 2022 | 10:30 AM EST

Part II - January 25, 2022 | 10:30 AM EST

Register Now

Amidst a Staffing Crisis

Understanding How to Recruit, Retain, and Support Afterschool Professionals

It's a challenge that OST programs are facing across the nation - will there be enough staff for providers to take advantage of the recent influx in federal dollars for OST investment? Will those investments be enough to recruit, support, and advance careers in afterschool, particularly for professionals of color?


Desiree Morales of Every Hour Counts - a national network of cities dedicated to expanded learning, equity, and making learning fun - breaks down the problems, as well as how many communities are attempting to solve them.

Read More

How OST Programs Can Support COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids Ages 5 and Older

Help the Continuing Fight Against the Pandemic

After the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) authorization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children ages 5 and older now receive the COVID-19 vaccine.


The OST field is in a unique position to help with this endeavor, which is a crucial step in the continuing fight against the pandemic. If you would like to support these vaccination efforts, take a look at these resources which can help:



  • Help identify vaccine sites throughout the community on Vaccines.gov



  • Share information about vaccine safety with families and staff members
Learn More

Quality Corner

Two New OST Resources

Strengthening Core Skills and Elevating Equitable Practices

The OST Leader's Guide to Equitable Hiring and Staff Development Practices


Because the OST sector is rooted in the principles of creating safe and welcoming spaces for all young people, we are primed to be a leader in using similar philosophies to enact equitable hiring and staff development practices.


This guide is intended to catalyze the OST workforce, our stakeholders, and partners to examine systems and elevate practices that will build equitable working environments.

Equitable Hiring Practices NAA
Read Now

Core Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies for Out-of-School Time Professionals


Core knowledge, skills, and competencies for OST professionals can be used across organizations, programs, and funding streams to define what it takes to work with and for children and youth. They can guide the development of compensation structures, inclusive and culturally responsive hiring practices, professional development, career pathways, and mechanisms for demonstrating practitioner skills.

Core Knowledge NAA
Read Now

Events

Regional Learning Networks

We engage cities and regions in creating coordinated systems to expand out-of-school time learning for K-12 youth in Indiana. These regional networks connect youth programs, schools and universities, faith-based groups, community organizations, and businesses.


Our role varies according to the needs of each community. We work as coordinator, convener, advisor, or facilitator while supporting the development of local leadership.

Bloomington, IN

10:00 AM EST | 2nd Thurs. of the month

Virtual | Join Zoom Meeting


Evansville, IN

10:30 AM CST | 3rd Fri. of the month

Virtual | Join Webex Meeting

ID: 1779419731 | Password: Ykkye3MbV53


Gary, IN

11:00 AM CST | 3rd Wed. of the month

Virtual | Join Zoom Meeting


Lafayette, IN

10:00 AM EST | 4th Mon. of the month

Virtual | Join Zoom Meeting

Marion County

3rd Tues. of the month | 12:00 PM EST

Virtual | Join the Zoom 


Michigan City, IN

11:00 AM CST | 3rd Thurs. of the month

Virtual | Join Zoom Meeting


South Bend, IN

11:00 AM EST | 4th Wed. of the month

Virtual | Join Zoom Meeting

Contact Keith Monfreda - Director of Professional Development and Engagement - with questions about our Regional Networks.

Mark Your Calendars

IN STEM Conference.png

Indiana STEM Education Conference

January 13, 2022 | Purdue University


The theme for the 2021 conference is “STEM Education Meets a Global Challenge.” Presentations will include strategies that address social distancing and virtual learning in STEM education. The conference is an opportunity for teachers and schools to learn about effective lessons, policies, partnerships, assessments, and education strategies in STEM. Click the link above to learn more!

Beyond School Hours Foundations 2022

Beyond School Hours 2022

February 23-26, 2022 | Orlando, FL


Beyond School Hours is a national conference that brings professionals from across the nation for a 3-day professional learning experience. This experience includes variety of hands-on workshops, nationally recognized keynote speakers, networking events, and strategies that will further your professional development.

NAA Logo Conference 2022

National Afterschool Association Convention 2022

March 20-23, 2022 | Las Vegas


Afterschool professionals help equip their youth with the skills needed to succeed in a world that we can only imagine.


Challenge yourself to explore new perspectives, make key connections, and build lasting relationships that will strengthen the afterschool field at the NAA's 2022 Convention.

Funding Opportunities

Funding for Afterschool and Summer Learning

Build, Learn, Grow Stabilization Grants

Deadline: December 30, 2021


Indiana early childhood and out-of-school programs are taking advantage of Build, Learn, Grow Stabilization Grant funding at a rapid rate. To date, $118 million in funding has already been approved for over 2,000 programs statewide. These programs are using the grant funds to help stabilize business operations and build for the future, creating a solid business foundation for 2022.


Get started with your application today to gain immediate access to your program’s grant funding. In most cases, grant funds will be electronically deposited into your program’s bank account within three weeks of application approval.  


Visit the grant webpage for an application walkthrough and user guide, introductory webinar, eligibility criteria, FAQs and more. The application is accessible through I-LEAD once you log in.


Contact SPARK Learning Lab with questions or application support by phone at (800) 299-1627 or via email at help@indianaspark.com.

2022 Farm to School Grant Program

Deadline: January 10, 2022


On an annual basis, USDA awards competitive Farm to School grants that support planning, developing, and implementing farm to school programs. USDA's Farm to School grants are an important way to help state, regional, and local organizations as they initiate, expand, and institutionalize farm to school food programs efforts.


The request for applications for 2022's Farm to School grants is now available! The Food and Nutrition Service seeks to award up to $12 million this fiscal year.

More Funding Opportunities

About IAN | Quality | Events | STEM | Funding | College & Career | Resources

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303 N. Alabama St.

Suite 210

Indianapolis, IN 46204

www.indianaafterschool.org

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