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About Us

Over the past 5 years, Heart of Indiana has served over 500 kids, delivering over 20 weekly classes at our sites across Indianapolis, Muncie, and Anderson. Spring and Summer programming at our campuses bridge a critical, widening resource gap for students and families in Indiana. Through partnerships with organizations, we offer a wide range of leadership and advocacy opportunities for youth and their families. Heart of Indiana is committed to cultivating engaged leaders and change makers equipped to seed transformative, community-driven change.

Our Impact

Heart of Indiana provides underserved kids with an equal chance to succeed, delivering a comprehensive array of after-school academic, arts, athletics, music, and wellness programs for youth ages 6-18. Heart of indiana’s out of school programs complement and enhance youths’ academic experience through exceptional, free, integrated programs and personalized guidance in a trusted, nurturing environment.

We believe that Indiana kids are the heart of our State. Intergenerational communities support youth with becoming resilient and empowered for self-determination.

About our Programs

Heart of Indiana takes an individualized approach, emphasizing our students’ strengths and dreams and cultivating a strong sense of self. Our kids’ evolving needs guide development and implementation of academic supports, including project-based learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics

STEAM

Classes are aligned with Common Core Standards and in-school material.

Enrichment Activities

Youth are provided with homework help, tutoring, enrichment activities and classes, and field trips, in addition to parent and in-school support and much more.

One-On-One Support

Academic programs are led by qualified teachers and volunteers, providing students with one-on-one support.

Heart of Indiana bridges a critical, widening resource gap for students and families in Indiana. The organization provides young people with access to free academic opportunities for our region’s working families.

In addition to providing students with academic support, we provide counseling services led by our partnership with  Licensed Clinical Social Worker, parenting classes and workshops, and case management to all Heart of Indiana families to provide the best outcomes for our students.

SmartStart Summer Enrichment Camp

SmartStart’s seven week summer program, providing hands-on learning activities which help students develop important socioemotional and cognitive skills, and focusing on health and wellness. The program consists of six weekly themed sessions offering a variety of engaging topics. In addition, students attend weekly field trips and participate in partner organization hosted events. Our program guides provide engaging educational enrichment activities in the mornings and fun hands on enrichment in the afternoons. We plan to expand Smartstart into a free after-school program in Indianapolis.

Sports

At Heart of Indiana, we believe in the transformative power of sports. Our after-programs offer students a chance to dive into basketball, soccer, tennis, and football, led by incredible coaches and mentors who inspire personal growth, foster health and fitness, instill athletic discipline, and celebrate true sportsmanship.

Visual and Performing Arts

Dance

Discover the joy of dance! Whether your child is just beginning or perfecting their skills, we offer classes for all ages and levels. Our programs blend movement with creative expression, from hip-hop to tap to ballet.

Dancers are encouraged to develop a personal appreciation for the art of movement. Starting with the basics and progressing to advanced techniques, they gain confidence in self-expression while strengthening their bodies.

Benefits of Dance for Youth:

  • Boosted concentration and memory
  • A dynamic outlet for imagination and creativity
  • Improved fine and gross motor skills
  • Greater body awareness and self-expression
  • Valuable lessons in cooperation and teamwork
  • Better posture and body control
  • A fun way to stay active

Theatre

Unleash creativity, literacy, and social skills through the magic of theatre! Youth ages 3 to 6 explore acting and performance, developing their craft along the way.

As they progress through different levels, performers dive into acting, musical theatre, set design, and more. With the guidance of supportive instructors, students build confidence and self-esteem. Each class or workshop culminates in a Showcase for family and friends.

 

Benefits of Theatre for Youth:

  • Boosted self-confidence
  • A safe space to take appropriate risks
  • Teamwork and cooperation through ensemble work
  • An exciting outlet for creative expression
  • Enhanced verbal and non-verbal communication, including improved understanding of social cues and body language
  • Stronger voice projection and articulation
  • Improved literacy, reading, and critical thinking skills

Musicians in Motion is a leading music program, and we would love to welcome you into our community. Since 2017, our highly qualified teachers have worked with kids, adults, beginners, and advanced musicians, and our group and private opportunities are perfect for every goal. We teach:

  • Piano
  • Voice
  • Guitar/Bass
  • Violin
  • Drums
  • And more

Pottery & Ceramics

Get your hands dirty and create your own masterpiece! Aspiring ceramic artists will explore techniques like hand building, wheel throwing, coiling, slab work, and more through clay.

With the guidance of supportive, professional instructors, students are encouraged to unleash their creativity while developing their pottery and ceramics skills.

Contact Us

programmanager@heartofindianayouth.org
(317) 458-5036