Indiana OST Literacy Credential

A free workforce credential designed specifically for out-of-school time professionals in Indiana

What is the Indiana OST Literacy Credential?

The Indiana OST Literacy Credential is a free workforce credential created specifically for out-of-school time professionals in Indiana.

It’s designed to help youth development professionals feel confident weaving strong literacy practices into the programs they already run – whether that’s enrichment, youth leadership, or community-based activities.

Rather than adding more to your plate, the credential focuses on practical strategies aligned to the Science of Reading that fit naturally into everyday OST routines and relationships.

Participants complete a series of focused modules and short assessments to demonstrate understanding. The total time commitment ranges from seven to 12 hours, depending on the credential completed. Upon completion, they earn formal recognition as an OST professional trained to support literacy beyond the school day, as well as a stipend of up to $600.

What is the Indiana OST Literacy Credential?

The Indiana OST Literacy Credential is a free workforce credential created specifically for out-of-school time professionals in Indiana.

It’s designed to help youth development professionals feel confident weaving strong literacy practices into the programs they already run – whether that’s enrichment, youth leadership, or community-based activities.

Rather than adding more to your plate, the credential focuses on practical strategies aligned to the Science of Reading that fit naturally into everyday OST routines and relationships.

Participants complete a series of focused modules and short assessments to demonstrate understanding. The total time commitment ranges from seven to 12 hours, depending on the credential completed. Upon completion, they earn formal recognition as an OST professional trained to support literacy beyond the school day, as well as a stipend of up to $600.

Credential Pathways & Earned Stipends

Three pathways designed for OST professionals – with stipends awarded upon completion.

Participants can pursue one of three progressive pathways, starting with The Core Literacy Credential, which is the foundational training designed for all OST staff.

Choose the pathway that best fits your goals – not just your current role.

Core Literacy Credential
6 Modules – Approx. 7 hours total | $350 stipend

Focus on practical strategies aligned with the Science of Reading and how those strategies show up in everyday program practice.

From there, two additional pathways allow deeper learning depending on the role someone plays in a program:

Literacy Lead Credential
9 Modules – Approx. 10 hours total | $500 stipend

Focus on curriculum evaluation, coaching staff, and supporting family literacy engagement.

Program Director Credential
11 Modules – Approx. 12 hours total | $600 stipend

Focus on leadership, which includes building a literacy culture within programs, strengthening partnerships with schools, and using data to improve programming.

Complete the Free Credential Online

HOW THE ONLINE PATHWAY WORKS:

The OST Literacy Credential is available through an online, self-paced pathway. Users can complete the training modules through the Indiana Out-of-School Time Academy at their own pace, and at no cost.

Here’s how to get started:

01.

Complete an online Credential Interest Form (Coming Soon)

02.

Enroll in the Indiana Out-of-School Academy

03.

Complete all required modules for their selected credential level

04.

Pass the learning assessment for each module

05.

Receive official credential recognition and become eligible for the stipend

A passing score is required for module completion. Current grantees of the Literacy Playbook’s Launch and Build Grants are strongly encouraged to attend.

FAQs

You can complete the Credential Interest Form to enroll in our online training Academy. Once you submit the form, please allow a few business days for our team to contact you to collect any other necessary information.

No. OST professionals pursuing the Literacy Credential are granted access to the Indiana Academy on Out-of-School Learning to complete the credential at no cost.

The credential is designed for out-of-school time professionals at multiple levels, including frontline staff, literacy leads, and program directors. Participants can select the pathway that best fits their role and experience.

Each pathway includes a set number of modules:

  • Core Literacy Credential: 6 modules (approximately 7 hours total)
  • Literacy Lead Credential: 9 modules (approximately 10 hours total)
  • Program Director Credential: 11 modules (approximately 12 hours total)

Modules can be completed at your own pace once enrollment opens.

To be eligible for a credential stipend, participants must work at an out-of-school time (OST) program that is intending to support literacy.

After successful completion of a credential pathway and verification of passing assessment scores, the stipend payment is issued to the participant’s organization — not directly to the individual. Organizations will be required to submit banking information and documentation as part of the enrollment process.

The organization is responsible for distributing the stipend to the staff member through its internal payroll process.

Stipend amounts are based on the credential pathway completed.

Stipends are available through October 1, 2026, while funding remains available.

Stipends are processed on a regular cycle following verification of completion.

Have additional questions? Contact us at literacy@indianaafterschool.org

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