Build What’s Next for Youth Together
Helping young people prepare for life after high school takes more than one program, one school, or one organization. It takes sparks of innovation and understanding the gaps that need to be filled. It takes collaboration across communities and systems.
The College & Career Readiness Innovation Challenge, hosted by Indiana Youth Institute and facilitated by the Henry Ford Learning Institute, is a hands-on event for youth-serving professionals and cross-sector partners to turn ideas into action. You’ll work with peers across education, workforce, nonprofit, and community spaces to explore local opportunities and challenges and create solutions that can support the youth you serve.
Come ready to collaborate, actively engage, and be part of a statewide effort to strengthen college and career pathways for Indiana youth.
Locations
The College & Career Readiness Innovation Challenge will be hosted in three different locations across Indiana. With a national facilitator and similar content at each venue, you're free to choose the date and location that suits your schedule best!
SEPTEMBER 1
SOUTH BEND
Century Center
120 S. MLK Jr. Blvd.
South Bend, IN 46601
SEPTEMBER 2
INDIANAPOLIS
Indianapolis Marriott North
3645 River Crossing Parkway
Indianapolis, IN 46240
SEPTEMBER 3
EVANSVILLE
Old National Events Plaza
715 Locust Street
Evansville, IN 47708
This isn’t your typical conference experience! Based on what we heard from youth-serving professionals from all of Indiana’s 92 counties, the, the Innovation Challenge is a focused working session designed to help you connect, problem-solve, and leave with a practical plan you can begin using right away.
What you'll leave with:
- A clear, realistic 90-day action plan for continuing work
- New cross-sector connections you can collaborate with after the event
- Tools and strategies grounded in real-world application
Schedule at a Glance
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Check in & Coffee
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Session I: Foundations and Systems Exploration
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Lunch Break
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Session II: Applied Solution Development
*Eastern Time
In gratitude for your dedication to serving children and youth, registration is available at this reduced rate, made possible through the generous support of our funders.
The 2026 College & Career Readiness Innovation Challenge will be facilitated by:
The Henry Ford Learning Institute (HFLI) is a nonprofit organization that partners with schools, nonprofits, and communities to advance equity and empowerment through innovative, culturally responsive learning experiences. Through its Deeper Learning by Doing® approach, HFLI equips learners and leaders with the skills, confidence, and collaborative practices needed to drive meaningful and lasting change.