Indiana Writers Center

S ocial H ealth A association ( SHA ) is a leader in puberty and life skills education for school children in Central Indiana. The Association's rich history can be traced to 1937 when a group of community leaders formed a committee to fight the growing syphilis epidemic. Then known as the Anti Syphilis League, the organization took its battle directly to the streets of the community, providing counseling and outreach to those considered most at risk of contracting syphilis. O ver time, the name of the organization was changed to Social Health Association of Indiana. The Association's mission was rewritten, with emphasis placed on providing school-based instruction on issues related to Human Growth and Development. I n the early 90s, in response to the HIV pandemic, an HIV/STD program was added to the curricular offerings. Shortly thereafter, a Life Skills component was added, and this track now focuses on prevention of bullying. A s a health education agency, SHA employs only trained and experienced teaching staff. All educators are degreed, have many years of classroom experience and are fully-trained to teach in the area of Human Growth and Development, HIV/STDS, and Life Skills. SHA is proud of two long-standing affiliations. The agency is a 65-year member agency of United Way of Central Indiana, and is an original tenant of the English Foundation Building in downtown Indianapolis, having resided there since 1953.

Founded in 1975, Bands of America is a nonprofit, educational organization providing avenues for learning and excellence in music education for the high school students and directors of the United States. Bands of America's internationally acclaimed repertoire of events includes the Grand National Championships, National Concert Band Festival, Summer Symposium, Regional Marching Championships and one-day musical and leadership clinics. More than 270,000 teens, family members and enthusiasts attend BOA events each year with more than 90,000 teens participating. Bands of America also publishes award-winning national newsletters five times annually. Its student divisions include the concert band, jazz band, orchestra, marching band, world percussion symposium, color guard and the George N. Parks drum major academy. It also provides the leadership weekend experience two-day interactive learning lab. Bands of America is headquartered in Indianapolis.