Share Your Afterschool Story

Every program has something to share and we want to hear your Afterschool and Out-of-School Time (OST) stories! We want to hear how your Afterschool or Summer program is making a difference in the lives of students and their families. Submit an article, media clip, or your own story (brief narrative) about classes, events and personal stories of success.  Submissions will be reviewed and posted in a timely fashion. Please answer the questions below via the google form below.

Check Out These Inspiring #AfterschoolNJ Stories

Laura Rubino

January 26, 2025

During the Pandemic, schools were closed and children were suffering with extremely high rates of anxiety and depression. Adolesecent suicide was at its all time high. I was able to help many children at this time, but one story particularly sticks out. I was working with a young girl, age of 12. She was overcome with anxiety and her behavior was regressing. She was no longer able to sleep alone at night as well as experienced panic attacks. After a few months in my Mindset Mentorship program, she was able to identify triggers and regulate her emotions before they became unmanageable. She felt empowered with her new knowledge and skills. Eventually, she went back to sleeping in her own bed at night and practiced Mindfulness to minimize her anxiety. There are many other similar success stories. During times of struggle, I remember these success stories which keeps me enthusiastic about helping our youth. 

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Through NJSACC’s conferences and newsletters I am able to connect to schools in the area and be inspired by their after school programs.

Brandi Davis

January 20, 2025

Our program has 6 pillars: academics, social and emotional learning, civic engagement and leadership, mentoring, post-secondary readiness, and family engagement. We work with grades PK3-4th grade and recently did an MLK Service Day Showcase. We are honing in on civic engagement/leadership pillar and creating opportunities for our Dreamers to be more comfortable in this area through events.

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Being on NJSAAC’s mailing list helps me to participate in any professional development opportunities and stay in the know with out-of-school programming. I had the opportunity to participate in NJSAAC’s conference and made connections that enhanced my program.