2008 Fall Computer Workshops

The Indiana Department of Child Services and the Social Science Research Center  are pleased to announce that another round of computer workshops will be offered this fall.  Each of the workshops will consist of a full day of computer training.  Youth will learn about computer maintenance, general use of the computer, internet safety along with a variety of software including Microsoft Office 2007 highlighting programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.  At the conclusion of these one-day workshops, the youth will be able to leave with a brand new computer, printer, software, and other accessories!

• Interested youth must meet the eligibility requirements.
• Interested youth must fill out the application and submit it to the Social Science Research Center.

                                    2008 fall computer workshop application

• Late applications are not accepted.
• Youth must have transportation arrangements to and from the workshop.
• Twenty participants are selected per workshop.
• Youth will receive a brand new computer, software, and printer after successfully completing the workshop.
• Youth who apply should give extra attention to the essay questions on the application.  The review committee evaluates based on:
  • Essay has met minimum word requirement.
  • Essay has proper grammar and spelling.
  • Essay content; was the question answered clearly, with thought given to the response?

For more information regarding the fall computer workshops, please contact Jeannie Darden at (317) 234-5128 or Jeannie.Darden@dcs.in.gov

Youth Leaders of Tommorow Conference

What a great success!  Thanks to everyone who attended.  We hope to see you next year!

You are cordially invited to attend one of the 7^th Annual Independent Living Youth Conferences.  The Youth Conferences will be held in Columbus, South Bend and Muncie.   There is no fee to attend.  This year's focus is on education, budgeting, leadership, relationships and more!

Who should attend?

Foster youth ages 16 to 21, former foster youth ages 18 to 21 who were in foster care after the age of 16 and youth receiving Education and Training Voucher funds.  All foster youth must have a case plan with independent living identified.  Foster parents, caregivers, DCS Directors and family case managers, CASA workers and independent living service providers are encouraged to attend with eligible youth.

Where are the conferences?

This year's conferences are:

Tuesday, June 10^th at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Columbus (canceled)

Wednesday, June 11^th at Indiana University South Bend in South Bend

Thursday, June 12^th at the Ball State University Alumni Center in Muncie

When?

Registration begins at 8 am and will close promptly at 9 am.  The conference will begin with a welcome and a keynote speaker at 9 am, followed by a day of workshops for youth and adults and a closing keynote session.  Closing ceremonies will bring this full day to an end and the conference will conclude at 4 pm.

More information:

A light breakfast and full lunch will be provided.  Space is limited and registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.  No registrations will be accepted after Monday, May 26^th.  Because the conferences are youth-focused and each location has limited space, registrations for adults not accompanying a youth will be limited.  No childcare will be available and only eligible youth as described above should attend.