NJSACC attends 50 State Afterschool Network (AN) Meeting: Engage.Explore.Learn (a photo essay)

NJSACC’s CEO, Ebony Grace and NJ partners from NJDHS, NJDOE and the Chamber of Commerce Foundation, attended the 2022 50 State Afterschool Network (AN) Meeting, “Engage.Explore.Learn” in Washington DC. NJSACC is a member of the 50 state afterschool network funded by the Charles S. Mott Foundation working to foster partnerships and policies to develop, support, and sustain high-quality opportunities for children and youth across the nation.

There were 3 days of workshops, panels and plenaries discussing areas of importance related to afterschool and out-of-school time ranging from community collaborations, federal and national initiatives to support youth development and learning ecosystems to advance youth and educational fields.

Ebony also provided reflections with Ben Trentleman, Executive Director of the Utah AN, on a plenary entitled “Creating Opportunity in Collaboration: Schools, Afterschool and Community.” HIghlights from her reflections:

“As I listened to the panel share their knowledge and experience on partnerships and collaborations, some of the terms and phrases that stuck out to me were catalysts for change; providing workforce readiness skills; learning happens in healthy communities; going back to a normal that does not serve or support All of our children; the need to do something different; and doing our part; all truly resonated with me…at the NJ network, we are leveraging our relationships to increase access to existing programs and resources…with the goal of increasing inclusivity and equity for all youth. It is my opinion that those of us at the network and state level use our influence to impact change.”

Meeting attendees were also able to listen to the talented youth of the Jazz Ensemble from the Duke Ellington School for Arts, 22-23 Poet Laureate Alyssa Gaines and the Chamber Choir from Washington-Liberty HS.