Indiana Bar Foundation

For Amanda Antey, civic education is more than a subject—it’s a lifelong commitment to helping students understand the power of engaged citizenship.

As a government, civics, AP Government, and We the People educator at Castle High School, Amanda has spent the past 20 years inspiring students to become informed, active members of their communities. Her innovative teaching, dedication to civic learning, and passion for empowering future leaders have made a lasting impact on countless students across Indiana.

We are proud to recognize Amanda as the Indiana Bar Foundation’s 2026 Champion of Civic Education honoree. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Read Amanda’s full story: https://www.inbarfoundation.org/champion-of-civic-education-honoree-profile-amanda-antey/

For Monica Fennell, access to justice is more than a profession — it is a lifelong commitment rooted in service, empathy, and innovation.

As Pro Bono Counsel at Faegre Drinker, Monica has dedicated her career to expanding access to legal assistance across Indiana while helping shape statewide access-to-justice initiatives alongside some of the legal profession’s most respected leaders.

Through her work with pro bono programs, volunteer attorneys, and the courts, Monica has become a driving force in ensuring legal services reach those who need them most.

The Indiana Bar Foundation is proud to recognize Monica Fennell as this year’s Champion of Civil Legal Assistance.

Read more about Monica’s inspiring story and impact in her full honoree profile: https://www.inbarfoundation.org/champion-of-civil-legal-assistance-honoree-profile-monica-fennell/

Congratulations to the Carmel High School Mock Trial team on an incredible showing at the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Des Moines, Iowa!

Representing Indiana against top teams from across the country, Carmel finished 2-2 and earned recognition as the 26th-ranked Mock Trial program in the nation.

After months of preparation, these students represented Indiana with professionalism, determination, and excellence. We are proud to celebrate their outstanding season and national accomplishment!

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the 2026 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon!

Your support helps the Indiana Bar Foundation continue advancing our mission to educate and empower Hoosiers through civic education, civil legal assistance initiatives, and programs that strengthen communities across Indiana.

Because of your partnership, we are able to expand our impact and continue creating opportunities that benefit individuals, families, and communities throughout our state. We are grateful for your commitment to making a difference for Hoosiers.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available — join this outstanding group and be part of the impact: https://www.inbarfoundation.org/donate/

As Kate Hollingsworth wraps up her time as our 2026 spring intern, we want to celebrate the incredible impact she has made on the Indiana Bar Foundation and our civics department.

Throughout the semester, Kate brought creativity, professionalism, and enthusiasm to every project she touched. From supporting civic education programs to helping create meaningful opportunities for students and communities across Indiana, her contributions have truly made a difference.

In reflecting on her experience, Kate shared how her internship strengthened her leadership, communication, and organizational skills while deepening her appreciation for civic education work across Indiana. We are so grateful for all of her hard work and dedication this spring and cannot wait to see all that she accomplishes next. Thank you, Kate, for being such an important part of our team! Read her full blog here: https://www.inbarfoundation.org/kates-spring-internship-reflection/

📅 Save the Date! Friday, October 23, 2026

Mark your calendars for the 2026 Indiana Civil Legal Assistance Conference, hosted by the Indiana Bar Foundation. This annual event brings together legal professionals, advocates, and community partners dedicated to improving access to civil legal assistance across Indiana.

Stay tuned for more details on sessions, speakers, and registration—we look forward to seeing you there!

Today, several members of our staff had the opportunity to attend Off the Record: The Press and the Presidency, hosted by the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. The event brought together influential Hoosiers, while the panelists offered thoughtful and engaging perspectives throughout the morning. The conversations were candid, authentic, and deeply thought-provoking, exploring the evolving relationship between the press and the presidency. We extend our sincere appreciation to the staff and organizers who made this exceptional event possible.

Teachers are at the heart of the Indiana Bar Foundation’s civic education programs, inspiring and empowering students across the state every day. Whether they’re volunteering, coaching teams, or supporting our work in countless other ways, their dedication is what makes these programs thrive.

We are deeply grateful for the educators who help shape the next generation of informed, engaged citizens.

In recognition of their impact, many businesses are offering special discounts and freebies for teachers this week—explore the offers and claim your well-deserved perks here: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2026/05/04/teacher-appreciation-week-2026-deals-free-food/89774687007/

🎉 Big congratulations to Megan Jolly! 🎉

We’re proud to share that Megan has been promoted to Program Operations Specialist at the Indiana Bar Foundation!

Megan has played a vital role in advancing our civic education programs, helping coordinate and execute more than 25 events each year. Her dedication, hard work, and commitment to our mission make a meaningful impact on our team and the communities we serve.

Please join us in celebrating Megan on this well-deserved achievement! 👏

The 2026 Indiana Civics Summit & Educator Convening was a tremendous success!

Hosted by the Indiana Bar Foundation and iCivics, this year’s event brought together educators, community leaders, students, and civic-minded professionals from across Indiana—and beyond—for a powerful day of learning, connection, and collaboration.

This year marked a major milestone, featuring attendees from around the country, a record-breaking number of exhibitors, and the introduction of a dedicated educator track that equipped teachers with practical tools to elevate civic learning in their classrooms.

From engaging discussions on the 2025 Indiana Civic Health Index to breakout sessions covering media literacy, AI in education, and civic engagement in today’s world, the day was filled with meaningful dialogue and actionable insights. A standout moment was the “Young Voices, Big Impact” panel, where student leaders shared inspiring perspectives on the future of civic participation.

Thank you to our partners, sponsors, speakers, exhibitors, and everyone who joined us to make this event such an impactful experience. Together, we’re strengthening civic life across Indiana. To see how the full day went, click here: https://www.inbarfoundation.org/indiana-civics-summit-educator-convening-brings-record-engagement-and-new-opportunities-for-educators/