Sustainability & Access Summit

Date

October 16-17, 2023

Location

Paul J. Norman Center @ Marian University
circle logo with flag for Sustainability & Access Summit

Cost

Please see pricing details under Registration 

Join Us!

The American Camp Association is proud to present the 2023 Sustainability and Access Summit: Cultivating the Path and Planting Seeds of Opportunity for youth of color, first-generation college students, and youth from families with limited resources. While this event is centered around supporting the Indiana Youth Programs on Campus Initiative, other camps are welcome to join us! 

The 2023 Sustainability and Access Summit will feature 15+ sessions about camp-school partnerships, state, local, and federal funding sources, AmeriCorps staffing, sustainable staffing practices, family engagement, program quality, creating inclusive and accessible programs for youth, and more. Presenters will be joining us from the Indiana Commission on Higher Education, Indiana Department of Education, Family and Social Services Administration, American Camp Association, University of California–Irvine, community-based organizations, and school districts. The event will be held in person at Marian University, located in Indianapolis, IN. Don’t miss one of the most important events of the season!

Please send questions to Christen Peterson or Ruthi Hernandez.

Registration includes breakfast, lunch, and coffee for both days.

Because of the generosity of the Lilly Endowment Inc., ACA is able to cover the cost of attendance for up to five individuals per university.

Location

Paul J. Norman Center
Marian University
3200 Cold Spring Rd
Indianapolis, IN 46222

Dr. Corliss Outley

picture of Dr. Corliss OutleyDr. Corliss Outley has spent her career advocating for equity and inclusion for underrepresented, first generation and low-income youth in all areas society. Dr. Outley is a Full Professor in the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Department and the Director of the Race, Ethnicity, Youth & Social Equity (REYSE) Collaboratory at Clemson University. In her current role she teaches and conducts research designed to explore, create and share knowledge that contributes to understanding how social inequalities influence the development of minority youth populations during out-of-school time hours. 

In February 2023 she was honored as the first Black woman to be inducted into the Academy of Leisure Sciences. Her scholarly work includes over 75 publications, several book chapters, over 250 presentations and trainings, over $5 million in research dollars, and a PBS DragonFly TV spotlight episode on “real scientists”.  Many of her projects focus on using community-based research methods that prioritizes the participation of residents, especially youth, via community mapping, life histories, photovoice, and art as data collection methods. She is recognized as a community engaged scholar for her expertise regarding diversity and inclusion in youth development programming, curriculum development, staff training, and research and evaluation. 

Her professional awards and honors include: 

  • 2023 Milliken Leadership Program, Clemson University
  • 2022 Presidential Leadership Institute, Clemson University
  • 2022 Women’s Roundtable Administrative Leadership Series, Clemson University
  • 2016 Keeping the Dream Alive Award, City of College Station, TX
  • 2013-15 Scholar, ADVANCE Scholar Program, Texas A&M University
  • 2014 Fellow, Advance Leadership Program, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • 2009 Namesake.  Camp Outley, Howdy Camp, Texas A&M University
  • 2006 Community Service Award, College of Education & Human Development, University of Minnesota
  • 2006 Outstanding Community Service Award, University of Minnesota

Outley earned her B.S. in Biology at Grambling State University in 1992, her M.S. in Forestry from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 1994 and in 2000 her Ph.D. in Recreation and Natural Resources Development from Texas A&M University. A native of Los Angeles, CA, Corliss is married and has a daughter in college.

 

Bristol Posatko

picture of Bristol PosatkoBristol is a Grants & Special Projects Manager at ACA, focusing on the Camp-School Partnership Demonstration Project. She brings over two decades of experience across youth-serving roles, including K-12 teacher, multi-site day camp region director, and afterschool startup executive director. She holds a BA from Occidental, an EdM in Education Policy & Management from Harvard, and Teaching Credentials from California. When she’s not working on increasing access to summer camp for America’s youth, Bristol can be found accessing outdoor adventures for her own two kids, and rewilding with native plants in their Delaware backyard.
Slides

Monday, October 16

 9:00 am Registration & Breakfast
10:00 am Welcome & Coffee Break
10:30 am Breakout Session 1
11:40 am Breakout Session 2
12:45 pm Lunch
 1:50 pm Breakout Session 3
 2:50 pm Snacks
 3:00 pm Breakout Session 4
 4:00 pm End of Day Wrap Up (until 4:30 pm)
 5:30 pm Evening Networking Event

Tuesday, October 17

 9:00 am Welcome & Breakfast
 9:30 am Breakout Session 5
10:40 am Breakout Session 6
11:45 am Lunch
12:15 pm Keynote
 1:20 pm Breakout Session 7
 2:00 pm Snacks
 2:20 pm Reflection
 2:40 pm Event Closing & Announcements

 

Educational Sessions #1

Building and Sustaining Partnerships, Room 101
Sylvia DeVault, University of Evansville
Mandy Reber, BGC Huntington
Jamie Scott, EMCC
Brandon Griffith, Dunes Learning Center
Sara Beanblossom, Moderator

A moderated discussion focused on fostering and maintaining strong relationships between program providers and universities or other community partners. The panel will explore the expectations and factors for success from both the program provider and institution of higher education (IHE) perspectives, identifying the top needs each party has and discussing strategies for building and sustaining these valuable collaborations. Attendees will gain insights into creative approaches to partnership building, the role of strong partnerships in program sustainability, and the value of programming partnerships in addressing a wide range of academic, social, and skill-building needs. Additionally, the panel will delve into topics such as leveraging resources, accountability, and effectively communicating the impact of these partnerships to inspire and inform future endeavors.

The Value of Higher Education, Room 102
Hillary Deardorf, Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Allison Kuehr, Indiana Commission for Higher Education

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) is now in its fifth decade of service to the State of Indiana after being created in 1971 by an act of the General Assembly and signed into law by then Governor Edgar Whitcomb. For students, education beyond high school – no matter the pathway – is at the heart of individual social and economic mobility and civil society. For our state’s employers, a robust talent pipeline is necessary to fill the jobs of today and tomorrow and remain competitive in the global economy. CHE set to a big goal that at least 60% of Hoosiers will have a quality degree or credential beyond high school by 2025. While CHE is committed to promoting higher education to middle and high school students to open doors to additional career options and the opportunity of personal prosperity and economic mobility, it’s up to all of us to make sure Hoosiers aren’t left behind.
Slides

 


Educational Sessions #2

Building and Sustaining Partnerships, Room 101
Sylvia DeVault, University of Evansville
Mandy Reber, BGC Huntington
Jamie Scott, EMCC
Brandon Griffith, Dunes Learning Center
Sara Beanblossom, Moderator

A moderated discussion focused on fostering and maintaining strong relationships between program providers and universities or other community partners. The panel will explore the expectations and factors for success from both the program provider and institution of higher education (IHE) perspectives, identifying the top needs each party has and discussing strategies for building and sustaining these valuable collaborations. Attendees will gain insights into creative approaches to partnership building, the role of strong partnerships in program sustainability, and the value of programming partnerships in addressing a wide range of academic, social, and skill-building needs. Additionally, the panel will delve into topics such as leveraging resources, accountability, and effectively communicating the impact of these partnerships to inspire and inform future endeavors.

Unlocking Federal Funds, Room 102
Erin Busk, Dietrich Consulting
Cole Dietrich, Dietrich Consulting

In this session, we will discuss the ways in which camps can coordinate with schools, districts, and community partners to access federal funds to sustain programming and ensure equitable access for all participants. 
Slides

Unlocking Potential, Room 103
Leslie Wesley
Strategies for empowering middle and high school students and programs for success.
Slides

 


Educational Sessions #3

Cultural Treasures: Building Lasting Youth Programs Through Community Cultural Wealth, Room 101
Dr. Timothy Raines, Indiana Tech University
Uncover the hidden treasures of Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) within your own youth programs. Join us in this transformative discussion where we'll dive into the value of embracing diverse cultural backgrounds within youth programs and explore how these assets can serve as the cornerstone for fostering lasting connections with families and parents. Through open dialogue and collaborative exploration, we will explore ways in which CCW contributes to youth empowerment and engagement, while also becoming a driving force for creating sustainable programs. By involving families and the community as partners in the program, we ensure their insights shape the experiences we offer to young participants. Learn how to initiate and nurture a continuous cycle of growth, where cultural wealth forms the foundation upon which impactful youth programs are built, sustained, and flourish over time. Together, we'll celebrate cultural diversity and amplify the voices of our youth and families, enriching their journeys and shaping a more inclusive future.

AmeriCorps, Room 102
Jessica McKinney
Learn about the AmeriCorps program and how you can apply to have members serve students at your institution. 
Slides

Scholarship & Financial Aid Roundtable, Room 103
McKenna Crews, Ball State University
Ruthi Hernandez, American Camp Association

Join us for an engaging roundtable conference session that delves into the critical topic of scholarships and financial aid for youth programs on college campuses. This session aims to explore and co-create innovative strategies and best practices for providing financial support to youth pursuing their dreams of higher education.

 


Educational Sessions #4

Unlocking Federal Funds, Room 101
Erin Busk, Dietrich Consulting
Cole Dietrich, Dietrich Consulting

In this session, we will discuss the ways in which camps can coordinate with schools, districts, and community partners to access federal funds to sustain programming and ensure equitable access for all participants. 
Slides

Healthy Camp Meals Using USDA Deals, Room 102
Marsha Yurczyk, Indiana Department of Education
In this session, options for receiving federal reimbursement from USDA for quality meals meeting meal pattern requirements will be outlined along with eligibility requirements for program sponsors, site, and participants and how these programs work in a university camp setting.
Slides

Start with Youth: Program Planning & Practices for Summer, Room 103
Keith Monfreda
Summer planning starts with youth and understanding the youth you seek to serve is the foundation of program quality. In this session participants will learn about tools and resources to build programs with youth, build programs on relationships and build programs for quality.
Slides

 


Educational Sessions #5

Start with Youth: Program Planning & Practices for Summer, Room 101
Keith Monfreda
Summer planning starts with youth and understanding the youth you seek to serve is the foundation of program quality. In this session participants will learn about tools and resources to build programs with youth, build programs on relationships and build programs for quality.
Slides

CCDF for Youth Programs, Room 102
Family & Social Services Agency
You want to serve families with low incomes in your youth program, but you don't have enough funding to offer scholarships. The Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) is federal funding designed to increase access for families with low incomes. Join this session to learn how to tap into these federal funds. You'll learn the steps to become a Legally Licensed Exempt Provider (LLEP) and leave with the resources you need to help your program become eligible.
Slides

Cultural Treasures: Building Lasting Youth Programs Through Community Cultural Wealth, Room 103
Dr. Timothy Raines, Indiana Tech University
Uncover the hidden treasures of Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) within your own youth programs. Join us in this transformative discussion where we'll dive into the value of embracing diverse cultural backgrounds within youth programs and explore how these assets can serve as the cornerstone for fostering lasting connections with families and parents. Through open dialogue and collaborative exploration, we will explore ways in which CCW contributes to youth empowerment and engagement, while also becoming a driving force for creating sustainable programs. By involving families and the community as partners in the program, we ensure their insights shape the experiences we offer to young participants. Learn how to initiate and nurture a continuous cycle of growth, where cultural wealth forms the foundation upon which impactful youth programs are built, sustained, and flourish over time. Together, we'll celebrate cultural diversity and amplify the voices of our youth and families, enriching their journeys and shaping a more inclusive future.

 


Educational Sessions #6

Sustaining Access: Rethinking Barriers to Camp Programs, Room 222
Jessie Dickerson, American Camp Association
Ty Wycoff, American Camp Association

We know the benefits of camp. But, do we truly understand the experiences of families who want to participate in camp programs? In this session, participants will deepen their understanding of the barriers facing families considering sending a child to summer camp and learn concrete strategies for helping potential participants access their programs.
Slides

picture of SaraSara Beanblossom, White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellowship
Sara serves as the Director of the White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellowship at the Riley Institute at Furman University, where she joined in the spring of 2023. With over 25 years of experience, Sara also serves as a consultant providing support to not-for-profit and education organizations in Indiana and across the country. Her expertise spans diverse areas, including fundraising, systems planning, communications and advocacy strategy, event planning, and community outreach.

Throughout her career, Sara has collaborated with an array of clients, including the Afterschool Alliance, Collaborative Communications, WFYI - Indianapolis Public Broadcasting, the Indiana Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, and Teachers’ Treasures. Additionally, she works alongside a Chicago-based consultant team to guide strategic planning and DEI projects for multiple state and national nonprofits.

Sara served as the associate vice president of communications and advocacy at the Indiana Afterschool Network (IAN) for 12 years. During her tenure, she led numerous influential initiatives at IAN, such as overseeing 10 annual statewide conferences, spearheading effective communications strategies, and driving impactful advocacy efforts at both the state and national levels.

Sara has been a White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellow, an Indiana Journey Executive Fellow, and an Indiana Arts Commission Individual Artist grant recipient. Her educational background includes a master's degree from the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, Bloomington. Additionally, she has pursued continuing education at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, where she attended the Project Zero Classroom Institute, and at the Maine Media Workshops, where she participated in documentary and storytelling courses.

 

 

picture of Erin BuskErin Busk, Dietrich Consulting
Erin Busk brings 15 years of experience in youth-serving public service. As a lifelong youth worker, Erin has extensive experience working in community-based direct service, program leadership, grant management, strategy development, and system-level administration. Her experience includes navigating the interconnected culture of school-day and out-of-school time alignment, community and stakeholder engagement & support, and creating sustainable, long-term strategies to ensure high-quality statewide systems. 
 
Prior to joining the consulting world, Erin worked for Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis, serving high school aged youth affected by the juvenile justice system. After leaving direct service, Erin spent five years with the Indiana Department of Education, overseeing the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, as well as designing and managing the implementation and ongoing support of the afterschool & summer funding provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ESSER III). 

 

 

picture of McKenna CrewsMcKenna Crews, Ball State University
McKenna Crews is the University Youth Camp Coordinator at Ball State University and has worked for day and overnight camps for the past 7 years. She started her camp journey at Camp Joy in Clarksville, OH in 2016 serving children with medical conditions from Cincinnati Children's Hospital as well as youth from urban Cincinnati.  McKenna worked at camp throughout her undergraduate career ending her time at Joy in 2019 as Leadership & Development Coordinator running the Counselor in Training Program as well as creating and implementing professional development for staff.  She then moved to Washington, D.C. to pursue her master's degree and worked for Headfirst Summer Camps where she was a program leader and a curriculum writer for two years. While there, she also taught 7th grade history in Fairfax County Public Schools and served as the Equity and Diversity Lead for her school. McKenna's background in education, camps, and equity has led her to her passion of serving youth in character and personal development; every kid deserves camp.

 

 

picture of Hilary DeardorffHilary Deardorff, Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Hilary Deardorff serves as the Director of K-12 Outreach with Indiana’s Commission for Higher Education. In her role she oversees the Outreach team made up of 8 Outreach Coordinators who live and serve in different areas of the state and supports the 21st Century Scholars Program. Most recently, Hilary served as Associate Director of Admissions and Program Manager of Indiana’s College Advising Corps chapter at Indiana University Bloomington. She previously worked for Ball State University’s Office of Admissions. Hilary earned a bachelor’s degree in speech, language and hearing sciences at Indiana University Bloomington and a master’s degree in student affairs administration in higher education at Ball State University.

 

 

picture of SylviaSylvia DeVault, University of Evansville
Sylvia DeVault has had a long career in higher education administration starting in student life, alumni relations, and now grant writing/fund raising. She currently serves as the Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer at the University of Evansville. She helped craft UE’s Indiana Youth Programs on Campus grant proposal which created the University’s Office of Youth Programs and provides after school and summer camp options for area youth. She is a graduate of the University of Evansville and Bowling Green State University.

 

 

picture of Jessie DickersonJessie Dickerson, American Camp Association
Jessie Dickerson serves as ACA’s Manager of Program Quality Systems. In this role, she supports camp professionals in making meaningful improvements to their programs through assessment and staff development. Ensuring that camp is truly for all kids is what fuels Jessie’s work. She’s dedicated to supporting camps in striving for equity and for them to be safe and supportive spaces for all youth. Jessie earned her master’s degree from the University of Utah’s Parks, Recreation, and Tourism program in 2021. When she isn’t working from her home office in Salt Lake City, Utah, Jessie spends her time traveling, exploring the Utah desert, packrafting western whitewater, and skiing in the Wasatch Range.

 

 

picture of Cole DietrichCole Dietrich, Dietrich Consulting
Cole Dietrich brings a school-based perspective to youth development work and has over 10 years of experience serving students with a focus on disadvantaged populations. His career in education began in the classroom as a K-8 Spanish and English Learning teacher in Indianapolis. He later transitioned to a role at the Indiana Department of Education, serving in a number of roles from English Learning and Migrant Education, afterschool programming, charter school programming, and also served as Director of Title Grants and Support.  This experience allowed him to support schools, districts, and grantees in using federal funding to provide equitable access for Hoosier students. He received an MBA with a focus in Educational Leadership from Indiana State University in 2021.

He has continued this work in the consulting field and is currently CEO of Dietrich Education Consulting, LLC based in Indianapolis but supporting work on the local, state, and national levels.

 

 

picture of Brandon Griffith

Brandon Griffith, Dunes Learning Center
Brandon Griffith is the Community Education Coordinator at Dunes Learning Center located inside of Indiana Dunes National Park. As the Community Education Coordinator, he works with local partners such universities, local non-profits, and the National Park Service to create programs that engage communities in Northwest Indiana.

 

 

 

picture of Lakshmi HasanadkaLakshmi Hasanadka, Indiana After-School Network
Lakshmi Hasanadka is the CEO at Indiana Afterschool Network, a non-profit, state-wide intermediary organization committed to providing the support and resources that out-of-school time programs need to create better outcomes for kids. She has worked in youth development, higher education, government, marketing, and civil litigation. She earned her B.S. in Marketing, with Honors, from Indiana University Bloomington, and her J.D., cum laude, from Indiana University Maurer School of Law.

 

 

picture of Allison KueherAllison Kueher, Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Allison Kuehr leads marketing and communications at the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. In her role, she oversees internal and external strategic communications, public relations, media relations and marketing strategies. Most recently, Kuehr served as communications director for the Commission and previously worked for Work and Learn Indiana which is a program of the Institute for Workforce Excellence. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a concentration in public relations at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

 

 

Picture of Jessica McKinleyJessica McKinley, AmeriCorps
Jessica McKinley has worked in the out of school time (OST) field since 2010 with a focus on securing grant funding and program management statewide. Jessica is committed to out of school time and is Secretary for the Association of Child & Youth Care Practice (ACYCP) and sits on the OST Board through the Indiana Department of Education. Jessica is a certified Child and Youth Care Practitioner at the Professional level and holds a master’s degree in Leadership Development with a focus on nonprofits. Jessica enjoys instilling knowledge and providing resources that will continue the advancement of youth work in Indiana and beyond.

 

 

picture of Keith MonfredaKeith Monfreda, Monfreda Creative Collectives
Keith Monfreda has played with and learned from youth around Indiana since 2005, designing innovative programs to engage them and facilitating professional development to serve them. In his role as servant leader of Monfreda Creative Collectives Keith is always excited to share his experience while learning from the experiences of others.

 

 

picture of Dr. Timothy RainesDr. Timothy Raines, Indiana Tech University
Dr. Timothy A. Raines (he/him) is an accomplished first-generation college graduate with a Ph.D. in Microbiology, complemented by his credentials as a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®). His journey as an academic scientist, cultural navigator, equity educator, and inclusion advocate has carved a path of impact and transformation.  With a foundation rooted in his own remarkable journey, Dr. Tim has become a beacon of guidance, collaborating and consulting seamlessly with colleges, universities, youth programs, professional associations, and student organizations. His expertise spans a wide spectrum of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, all orchestrated with the purpose of tailoring specific tools and strategies that cultivate a culture of genuine belonging.

Drawing from over a decade's worth of experiences as a scholar, facilitator, strategist, and community builder, Dr. Tim seamlessly blends well-researched facts, light-hearted humor, unvarnished authenticity, and a relatability that transcends boundaries to nurture an environment primed for inclusivity, where every voice is not just heard, but embraced. Beyond his myriad of roles, Dr. Tim’s heart is in providing service to others. As an educator and mentor, he underscores the immense value he places on the identities, cultures, and lived experiences of his students; he dedicates himself to guiding individuals as they navigate their professional and academic aspirations.  In the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Timothy A. Raines is not just a name, but a force that propels positive change.

 

 

picture of Mandy ReberMandy Reber, Boys & Girls Club
Since taking on the role of Executive Director at her organization in 2005, Mandy provided leadership for the Club to see significant growth, in the Club’s membership, daily attendance, board membership, and staffing.

On the local level, Mandy serves as a member of: Rotary, Community Resources of United Way & Early Childhood Coalition. Mandy is also active with Boys & Girls Clubs of America-which has over 4,000 Clubs across the US, serving as a member of the Indiana’s Boys & Girls Clubs Alliance, and serving as a presenter at many Boys & Girls Club conferences on Resource Development, Outcome Measurements, and Quality Programming. 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Indiana Alliance honored Mandy as the Professional of the Year, and was Professional of the Year for the Midwest Region for Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the National Professional of the Year in 2017.

In 2018, Mandy took on an additional new role, as Chief Operating Officer of a local tool and die shop, owned by her husband, Lime City Manufacturing, as well as a Pizza Paddle company, Lillsun. Mandy has quickly taken the lead for bidding on projects and updating the finances.

Mandy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development & Family studies from Purdue University and is also a graduate of Huntington County’s Leadership Academy, Boys & Girls Club of America’s Leadership Academy, and their Leadership Summit through Harvard’s Business School. Mandy holds her certification as a Child & Youth Care Professional. Mandy lives with her husband Cory and 16-year old son CJ.

 

 

picture of Krystal RobinsonKrystal Robinson, Office of Early Childhood & Out-of-School Learning
Krystal Robinson serves as the Director of Child Care Policy for the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) with the State of Indiana. Krystal started her career working in the before and after school care and at the summer camp program that she attended as a student. Krystal has 10 years in direct service as an assistant teacher, teacher, and multi-site director. Since leaving the classroom, Krystal has worked in professional development, family child care quality improvement, and systems building in various capacities. Prior to joining the team at OECOSL, Krystal served as the Early Learning Specialist with the Indiana Department of Education. In addition to her experience, Krystal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Leadership Development.

 

 

picture of Jamie ScottJamie Scott, Edna Martin Christian Center
Jamie Scott currently serves as the Senior Director of the Martindale Brightwood Education Zone at the Edna Martin Christian Center (EMCC) in Indianapolis, IN. In her role, she is primarily responsible for ensuring cross-organizational alignment of the first- and second-largest community centers in the city, leading an initiative called the IndyEast Promise Neighborhood. This initiative promises ALL students on the Near Eastside and in Martindale-Brightwood access to great schools and whole family support to ensure a successful transition from birth to adulthood. Jamie works collaboratively with partnering organizations, schools and families to ensure that students have access to equitable supports and opportunities to explore their interests and passions.

She has been an Executive Member of the National Afterschool Association since 2019 and a recognized leader in youth work, as she received the Association for Child and Youth Care  Newcomer Award in 2021 and the National Afterschool Association’s Next Generation of Leaders in 2022 for her advocacy for the professionalization of the field. She serves on several local and state boards and committees for other local agencies responsible for positive outcomes for youth to increase Indiana’s collective impact.

She is currently completing her formal education at Indiana Wesleyan University where she plans to continue to complete Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership by 2025.  In her spare time, you can find her crafting and putting stickers on things, planning a vacation, spending time with family and friends or binge watching Marvel movies.

 

 

picture of Leslie WesleyLesley Wesley, IPI
As a strategic thought leader, Leslie impacts thousands of youth and families in the community. She started providing programming in 2009 when she collaborated with the South Bend School Corporation to implement evidence-based systems that targeted youth and families during board and superintendent transitions. Since then, Leslie has honed her expertise in innovative methodologies that combine academic support, mentorship, and extracurricular activities. Her approach fosters a comprehensive suite of services that help teenagers and families thrive in school and the broader community.

Leslie Wesley's passion for education ignited during her formative years and continues to burn brightly, fueled by her unwavering belief in the transformative power of out-of-school learning. She grew up in a closely-knit community, where she gained firsthand insight into the challenges marginalized youth faced in accessing structured and quality, out-of-school options. This experience was the driving force behind her lifelong commitment to youth and family services and pursuit of her vision to establish Pathway2Success (P2Success), designed to bridge the educational gap for teens and their families.

In an era of educational empowerment, inspiration, and leadership-driven change, IPISJC stands as a beacon of light in the community, empowering students to dream beyond their current circumstances.

 

 

picture of TyTy Wycoff, American Camp Association
Ty Wycoff serves as a Research and Evaluation Specialist contributing to ACA’s Research & Education Team. In this role, she strives to connect research and practice by helping camps, camp professionals, and ACA team members in the collection and analysis of meaningful data, empowering them to make evidence-informed decisions aligned with their target outcomes. Through her work, Ty hopes to ensure camp is both accessible and beneficial for all youth. She holds an M.S. degree from the University of Utah’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism program, and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Education at the University of California, Irvine where her research focuses on culturally responsive practices in organized out-of-school-time activities.

 

 

picture of MarciaMarcia Yurczyk, Indiana Department of Education
Marcia Yurczyk, School & Summer Programs Monitoring Assistant Director, has been employed by the Indiana Department of Education for 15 years.  In her current role, she is responsible for overseeing federal compliance of all School Nutrition Programs, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program, After School Snack Program and the Summer Food Service Program.  She supervises the School & Community Nutrition field staff located throughout the state.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Food, Nutrition and Institution Administration and Master of Science degree in Nutrition Education from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. 

Before being a stay-at-home mom for 17 years, she was employed by the Northfield Public Schools, Northfield, MN as the Food Service Director and Environmental Health Director, the Oklahoma Department of Education, and the Associated Milk Producers Southwest Dairy Council.  She and her husband reside on 6 acres in rural Zionsville, IN.  Her hobbies include gardening, walking, cooking, reading, singing and playing with her granddaughter, Lilly.
 

If you are coming from out of town, there are few hotels that you can choose from. The closest option to Marian and our networking event is the Candlewood Suites - Downtown Medical District. You are also welcome to explore the other options suggested by Marian University. 

Parking and directions to Marian can be found here. We are meeting in the Paul J. Norman building. 

We are excited to announce that we will have a networking event at the Indianapolis Zoo - White River Gardens! This is an awesome opportunity to connect with your colleagues, enjoy a light meal, and learn more about education programming available via the Indianapolis Zoo. We also expect that we may have a furry visitor join us! Here is the link to register for a networking event.

A special thank you to the Lilly Endowment for so graciously sponsoring this event.