Media Coverage: CHALKBEAT- Senate education leader: More funding needed for after-school programs

Dennis Kruse and Glenda Ritz backed an expansion of out-of-school programs at the Indiana Afterschool Network's Summit on Out of School Learning. More HERE.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT:

Perry Central Elementary Lights-On

 
Congratulations to the 2015 Indiana Out-of-School Time Champion, awarded at the Summit on Out-of-School Time Learning April 14th. Showcasing their practices of using data to drive decisions and tell stories, Perry Central Lights On was one of 20 nominees. 6 finalists presented 5-minute presentations and the Summit audience voted for the final award winner.  

Specific Perry Central marketing strategies include: distributing flyers describing the program and sharing statistics, showcasing the afterschool robotics teams during basketball games, including program statistics and images each monthly school newsletter & on the school website. In addition, they share this information with their elected officials.    

"Community members feel a great sense of ownership and pride in Perry Central, and we have developed a lot of trust with parents and the greater community.  When we share data and stories with them, they listen.  We have been able to use this unique collaborative spirit to leverage resources, to overcome obstacles, and to sustain this program for fifteen years.  It is stronger now than it has ever been, and we will continue to use data to improve and to share this important work with decision-makers, lawmakers, and anyone who will stand still to listen."

Thank a Youth Worker Day
Please take some time to thank the adults who make a difference in the lives of young people. On May 7, 2015, we celebrate youth workers who work endlessly to give support and hope to young people. Say thank you and share your thanks on social media #ThankAYouthWorkerDay. http://www.thankayouthworkerday.com/ 

21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Federal Funding for Afterschool Restored!  For Indiana: $20M for afterschool and summer programs serving more than 20,000 K-12 youth in our lowest income communities.  On April 15, the Senate HELP Committee unanimously voted to adopt language that not only restores funding for afterschool and summer learning programs, but also improves the program. This vote was nothing short of miraculous and is a testament to the efforts of everyone in our field, from the dedicated staff who work with students, to the parents, advocates, law enforcement, local government, funders and researchers who have helped transform this local work into the powerful national movement we are today. Read more HERE.

Marsh Supermarkets believes that giving back to the community is essential for their growth. Their participation carries forward a long tradition and a steadfast commitment to help improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.  Under $1,000: Six weeks in advance of the event or date needed.$1,000 or more: Six months in advance- preferably by November of the year prior to your event for consideration during annual budget planning.

Deadline: May 15, 2015

Participating colleges and universities may nominate two students each for these filmmaking scholarships that judge student's artwork on their potential to create professional films and their academic standing. More HERE.

The Indiana Afterschool Network helps promote and strengthen program quality in out-of-school learning across Indiana.

1.  Use Indiana's Top Ten Quality Standards for OST as a pathway to quality improvement.

2.  Assess your program sites and organization by using the Indiana Quality Program Self-Assessment (IN-QPSA)

3.  Develop your staff using the NEW! Indiana Academy for Out-of-School Learning.  A high quality, online training specifically designed for Out-of-School Time Professionals

This NEW online PD system was created in partnership with the National Afterschool Association and Child Care Aware and offers the latest in training specifically designed for Indiana's before school, after school, school age child care and summer programs.

*    Professional Development anytime, anywhere!

*    36 Best Practice Learning Modules (2 hours each)

*    Aligned with IN Afterschool Standards and IN Youth Development Credential (IYD)

*    In-depth curriculum content, interactivity and rich visuals

*    Useful resources and real life scenarios

*    Pre- and Post-tests

*    Certificates and User accounts to track progress

*    Customer Service

*    Technical Assistance

Contact Bri Gaston-Bell

Magnify Learning is offering three PBL professional development opportunities this June:

  www.MagnifyLearningIN.org
 

STEM Uncovered: Telling Our Afterschool Stories video competition.

Project Learning Tree Prek-8 Workshop - Friday, May 22nd, 9-3:30

Indiana Department of Education STEM School Certification Program

 

You don't have to be a STEM expert to facilitate fun, hands-on activities to help kids learn about survival in space, how to train like an astronaut, rocketry, and much more. NASA Ignite provides free staff training and easy to implement curricula, games, and videos for afterschool, summer and in-school learning. Each activity gives you a lesson plan, list of supplies, and estimated preparation/implementation time.. Activities are geared toward youth in grades 4-9, but can be modified for any grade level. Contact the NASA Ignite! team to learn more and get started. Visit the Ignite! Dashboard http://ignite.wisdomtools.com for upcoming events, free training materials, webinars, lesson plans, and more.

Career Ready (formerly KnowHow2GOIndiana) takes place each April through July, with real-world advice and practical experiences to help students prepare for their future careers. The official kick-off week is the last week of April (April 20-24, 2015), but career information is never out of season.
Career Ready is an initiative of Learn More Indiana, led by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. http://www.in.gov/careerready/  

In honor of the 25th Anniversary of the 21st Century Scholars program, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (ICHE) has launched the inaugural 21st Century Scholar Awards. ICHE is asking Hoosiers to nominate alumni students who benefited from the program as well as organizations and individuals who have contributed significantly to its success. Applications are due May 1, 2015. Categories include Outstanding Partner, Distinguished Alumni, and the Champion Award. CLICK HERE http://www.in.gov/21stcenturyscholars/2771.htm to submit your nomination today!

2015 I'm First! Scholarship application is now open!
The I'm First! Scholarship is a $4,000 scholarship ($1,000 per year, renewable for four years of college) awarded to up to 10 graduating high school seniors who will be the first in there family to go to college and are planning to attend a CSO College Partner institution.  
Undocumented students are eligible and strongly encouraged to apply!  Apply here by Friday, May 22. http://www.imfirst.org/scholarship/

Indiana's College Success Coalitions = Start One in Your Community

Learn More Indiana is accepting applications to start a coalition in your community.  The Indiana College Success Coalitions is a network of state and local organizations interested in increasing college access and success within the State of Indiana.  http://cgi.asainstitute.org/cgi-bin/csc/publicstats

Indiana Youth Institute's Trip to College Alerts program provides students, parents and youth-serving professionals with the most up-to-date information about preparing for college. Subscribers to this FREE service receive three to four texts per month with reminders about deadlines for tests, applications and financial aid, tips to prepare for college and encouragement to stay on track with postsecondary goals. To sign up, text grad + the student's graduation year (ie: "grad2015") to 69979.

IYI offers professional development grants of up to $750 to help youth-serving professionals pay for the registration cost and hotel or travel costs associated with a professional development opportunity. Submit an application by the tenth of the month to receive a decision by the first of the following month. More HERE.

IndiaAmerican Heart Association First Aid & CPR
Camptown can provide your staff with American Heart Association First Aid, CPR, & AED training for as low as $25 per person. We offer the basic Heart Saver program which includes First Aid, CPR, & AED for Adult, Child, & infant or the Basic Life Support (Professional) First Aid, CPR, & AED for Adult, Child, & Infant. Our instructor is an RN with 30 years of experience in hospital, and school settings and holds instructor certification through the American Heart Association and has held the Instructor Trainer certification through the American Heart Association. Trainings are held at the Camptown facility, however arrangements can be made to offer at your facility (additional charges may apply). Our schedule filled quickly last year so reserve your date today!
 Please contact us at info@camptown.net for more information or to schedule your training.

Project Learning Tree Prek-8 Workshop - Friday, May 22nd, 9-3:30
Clark State Forest at the museum building, Henryville IN
Project Learning Tree provides a mixture of many activities educators can utilize to help youth gain an awareness and knowledge of the world around them and their place within it by using the forest as a "window to the world." Through this workshop you will become a certified Project Learning Tree Educator. During this 6-hour workshop you will be engaged in hands-on indoor & outdoor environmental education activities. The workshop is open to all formal and informal educators. Professional Growth Points are available. Cost of the workshop: $22. Checks should be made out to IFEF/PLT
Contact:  Donna Rogler, plt@dnr.in.gov or 317-234-5143

2015 Postsecondary Counseling Institute presented by Kroger

Keynote speaker Dr. Jane Bluestein, internationally known speaker, award-winning author and crisis-intervention counselor, will share knowledge she has gained from working with thousands of educators, counselors, parents and other youth-serving community members. June 23-24, 2015 NEW LOCATION: Westin Indianapolis Hotel. More HERE.

The Indiana Nonprofit Resource Network offers trainings across Indiana on a wide range of nonprofit management topics. The upcoming calendar of workshops and more info here: http://www.inrn.org/

Topics including Technology Safety, Reaching Uninsured Families and others will be provided at various locations in including: Merrillville, South Bend, Ft. Wayne, Indianapolis, Evansville and New Albany.  More info here: http://www.iyi.org/

April 28-May 1, 2015, Palm Springs CA

Save the Date: Summer Changes Everything™

This year's national conference on summer learning will be held on October 12-14 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront in Baltimore, Maryland. http://www.summerlearning.org/?page=conference_register

While spring breaks are all over for this school year, it's never too late to remind the young people in our lives (high school and college) about safety precautions. Please share MCCOY's Lifeline Law PSA with the young people in your lives. Make the Call - Save a Life. For more information, visit:

DESTINATION INDIANA WEBSITE LAUNCHED
The Indiana Historical Society (IHS)  launched a new Destination Indiana website, which will bring hundreds of the state's stories to life in images and text. Visit Destination Indiana for the latest in IHS's series of Indiana Bicentennial projects.  More HERE.
 
Major League Baseball....Pitch, Hit & Run (PHR)
Your afterschool program is invited to participate in the official skills competition of Major League Baseball....Pitch, Hit & Run (PHR).
PHR is free to all participants and hosts, and hosting at your school is as easy as:
* Register your Local Competition(s) online at www.pitchhitrun.com 
* Receive your Local Administrative Kit(s) containing an instructional administrative handbook, award certificates, strike zone banner, etc.
* Implement the event into afterschool programming
* Award winners and provide them with advancement information
 
Each program is welcomed to host its very own MLB PHR event so please visit www.pitchhitrun.com today and register your afterschool program to host. We look forward to your participation.

The 2015 Lights On Afterschool poster contest is open for submissions!
Calling all afterschool artists! Your artwork could be displayed at more than 8,000 Lights On Afterschool events around the world! We're looking for the best artist to showcase their creativity on this years' Lights On Afterschool poster! Last year we received thousands of youth artwork submissions from afterschool programs across the nation. Once again for 2015 we're encouraging all of your program participants to submit artwork that celebrates afterschool programs and conveys the importance of keeping the lights on afterschool! More HERE.

New resources: Explore afterschool quality
Recently, the National AfterSchool Association published a series of focus briefs describing the state of afterschool quality. High quality afterschool programs can help close the achievement gap and show significant promise for improving long-term outcomes such as high school graduation and post-secondary enrollment rates, as well as college and career readiness.  Parents want to know their children are learning and safe afterschool-NAA's new resources offer the tools for afterschool programs to meet the high expectations of parents and community members. More HERE.

CATCH Kids Club  after school program provides staff with research tested and award winning program tool kits and multi-training options to implement moderate to vigorous physical activities program and nutrition fun lessons.
www.catchinfo.org

EARN Indiana: Reimbursement for Your Interns

Indiana INTERNnet's partnership with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education provides employers with an opportunity to receive up to 50% of their interns' wages from the state if they hire Employment Aid Readiness Network (EARN) Indiana-eligible students. Access IndianaINTERN.net to learn more about EARN Indiana and how it may save your organization money. Summer internships are now being reviewed.

Crawford the Cat is a fun and engaging character that stars in educational health and social skills videos for preschool, kindergarten and early elementary students. Through the use of online games, printable coloring pages, virtual books, and entertaining videos, Crawford imparts simple lessons on personal grooming, manners, exercise and nutrition. http://www.crawfordthecat.com/

Through innovative online course delivery, taught by Harvard educated child psychologist and anthropologist Andrew J. Schneider-Munoz, Ed.D.,  CYC-P, you will have the opportunity to increase your knowledge of positive youth development across different practice settings. The Youth Development and Attainment certification program meets both today's demand for flexible schedules and the core competencies needed for successful completion of the national certification examination. Visit www.cyccb.org to learn more about national certification requirements.

Child Care & Early Education Research Connections provides a continually updated, free, and easily searchable collection of research on child care and early education for researchers and policymakers. The Web site, www.researchconnections.org , provides access to more than 25,000 resources, including original scholarly research, government reports, factsheets and briefs, data sets, and instruments.

The Homework Hotline started in 1991 as a toll-free telephone service. Several online features have been added in recent years, and the iPhone app gives students easier access to Rose-Hulman students that are available as hotline tutors from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday during the school year. Supported by the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the Homework Hotline provides toll-free math and science tutoring services by calling 1-877-ASK-ROSE (1-877-275-7673) or through the website www.AskRose.org

Resource available Students Stumped by Studies - Thanks to an innovative Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology student, there's now The AskRose app, which links Indiana middle and high-school students with free homework math and science assistance. The app is available at the iTunes App Store https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/askrose/id560503334?mt=8

2-1-1 is now State-Wide in Indiana!   All 92 counties with all 6,483,802 Hoosiers now have access to the free 24/7/365 service that helps people find the help they need to obtain safe, affordable housing, food and utilities, mental and physical health care, employment, volunteer opportunities and many other things that can lead to happier, healthier, safer individuals and families in our communities. DIAL 2-1-1 TODAY IF YOU NEED HELP OR IF YOU WANT TO GIVE HELP.

The Not-for-Profit News has launched a new jobs database, in partnership with ExactHire, which gives nonprofit employers and workers new tools to promote and manage your job searches.  

Charitable Advisors also now has newsletters for northern and southern IN http://www.charitableadvisors.com/subscribe.html