Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) families can get a head start on summer with the IPS Summer Resource and Wellness Fair, where nearly three dozen trusted community partners will offer free resources in one convenient location — from summer jobs and mentorship programs to enrichment activities and wellness support, all designed to help students stay engaged, healthy, and learning.
Hosted by the myIPS Family Academy, the free event will take place Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Shepherd Community Center, 4107 E. Washington St.
Some of the participating organizations include:
Seeds of Caring
Seeds of Caring will share opportunities for children ages 2–12 to participate in hands-on service projects focused on kindness, empathy, and community impact.
“We hear often from parents in our community that they have been looking for opportunities to engage their children in meaningful service,” said Sarah Diaz, the organization’s Indianapolis site director. “We hope to connect with students and families with projects that align with their interests and availability. The change in routines over the summer creates space for kids to explore new interests and experiences.”
She noted the organization offers both in-person summer projects and flexible “Anywhere Projects” that families can complete at home.
Nyla Nova STEMversity
Nyla Nova STEMversity will highlight its STEM-based camps, workshops, and tutoring programs serving students from Pre-K through sixth grade.
Latoya Dorsey, a professor for the organization, said the fair provides an opportunity to engage families directly and reinforce that STEM education is accessible and relevant to students’ everyday lives.
“We decided to participate because this fair brings together families, students, and community partners in one place—exactly where meaningful engagement happens,” she said. “As a STEM youth program, we see this as an opportunity to provide students with hands-on learning, career pathways, and skill-building experiences that spark long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and math. We want students to see that STEM is accessible, exciting, and relevant to their everyday lives.”
Amazing Athletes/JumpBunch of Central Indiana
Amazing Athletes/JumpBunch of Central Indiana will offer information about its non-competitive sports and fitness programs for children ages 18 months to 12 years.
Owner Stacey McIntyre said the organization also plans to share summer hiring opportunities for youth ages 18 and older.
“We participated last year, and it was a very positive event,” she said. “We have a strong relationship with the Indianapolis Park and Recreation program as well as the Indianapolis Public Library. We will be working with both of these organizations this summer, which help to serve the IPS community.”
Indiana Repertory Theatre
The Indianapolis Repertory Theatre (IRT) will again be at the fair to share information with IPS students about educational opportunities.
“We want students to know that we welcome them to a variety of camps and programs at the IRT,” said Anna Barnett, IRT education manager. “Additionally, we hope caregivers learn about the financial aid options that make these experiences accessible to all families.
She noted that IPS students attend IRT student matinees each year and participate in the Young Playwrights in Process playwriting contest. The IRT is also an active member of the IPS Family and Community Engagement team.
Brooke’s Place for Grieving Young People
Brooke’s Place for Grieving Young People partners with multiple IPS schools and charter schools within Center Township to offer its BP8 Program. BP8 (Brooke’s Place 8-Week Program) is a short-term grief peer support group hosted in schools, community centers, and places of worship, providing students a safe space to process loss alongside peers.
“Through participation in the IPS Summer Resource and Wellness Fair, Brooke’s Place hopes to connect with the community and share information about its broader resources,” said Hilary Bercovitz, the organization’s outreach manager. Resources include ongoing support groups held on the Eastside at The Rock Community Center (Eastern Star Church) and at Camp Healing Tree, a free two-night overnight camp at Jameson Camp on the west side of Indianapolis.
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