The Journey
The Journey supports Indiana youth workers through renewal, leadership development, retreats, and certification support to strengthen professional community and their work on behalf of young people.
Funder: Lilly Endowment
Due Dates: October 15, 2026 (Application) | December 15, 2026 (Cohort 1 orientation) | December 16, 2026 (Cohort 2 orientation) | January 19–21, 2027 (Cohort 1 retreat) | February 9–11, 2027 (Cohort 2 retreat) | April 20–22, 2027 (Cohort 1 retreat) | May 4–6, 2027 (Cohort 2 retreat) | August 10–12, 2027 (Cohort 1 retreat) | August 24–26, 2027 (Cohort 2 retreat) | October 19–21, 2027 (Cohort 1 retreat) | November 9–11, 2027 (Cohort 2 retreat)
Funding Amounts: Paid fellowship costs for 2027, excluding personal travel; personal renewal stipends and certification support
Summary: A personal and professional development fellowship supporting renewal, leadership, and community among Indiana youth workers.
Key Information: Full-time Indiana youth work professionals only; educators eligible for other renewal programs are excluded.
Description
The Journey is a program of Indiana Youth Services Association, supported by Lilly Endowment, devoted to the personal and professional development of youth workers. The 2027 fellowship brings together full-time youth work professionals from across Indiana for renewal, leadership development, and shared learning. Its goals are to ground practitioners in who they are, connect professionals with one another, and inspire what they can accomplish on behalf of young people.
Participants join one of two cohorts for retreats and learning experiences throughout 2027. The cohorts offer similar experiences but have different dates and locations. Fellows explore the challenges and opportunities of youth work while developing insights, skills, and a supportive professional network. The program emphasizes personal growth and an inclusive learning community; it is not a substitute for professional therapy.
