NJSACC's Director of Expanded Learning Opportunities Dorine Francis Shares Her Afterschool Story!
Dorine Francis writes:
“The world of Out-of-School Time, OST, is nothing short of amazing! Whether it be a traditional afterschool program, a Saturday program, or a 6-week summer camp, the opportunity for youth to explore interests and learn new skills in a safe space while simultaneously supporting working families is truly empowering. OST fuels exposure to and builds creativity, confidence, and careers for all youth as well as the professionals in the field.
NJSACC has the honor of advocating, coaching, and supporting the field of OST, and I have the pleasure of being a piece to the bigger picture as I know the impact OST had in making me who I am. ”
Did you attend an afterschool program in your youth? Tell us what you did after school usually.
- No, I did not attend an afterschool program. However, I was very active in the OST space. I was a Girl Scout, I went to dance school, I took piano lessons, I attended enrichment programs on Saturdays and summers at Essex County College, and in high school I was in the Upward Bound Program at Seton Hall University. When I wasn’t busy with the aforementioned I was at church singing in the youth choir, on the junior usher board, and a member of the YPD.
How were you introduced to NJSACC?
- I was a Program Coordinator for the NJ After 3 Afterschool Program at my CBO and I attended the NJSACC annual conference. I was blown away by the trainings and the number of people that attended.
When did you start working at NJSACC?
- 9/20/2024
Your title when you started?
- Technical Assistance Specialist
Your title now?
- Director of Expanded Learning Opportunities
In your view, why is afterschool important?
- Afterschool is important because it’s the village that keeps on giving. The village that gives youth a safe space to learn and explore. The village that provides a safe space while parents are working. The village that feeds food insecurity. The village that mentors youth development. The village that stimulates career exploration. The village that fosters new opportunities that youth may not experience otherwise.
In your view, why is NJSACC important?
- NJSACC is important because it’s the staple of OST in NJ. NJSACC is a leader that OST professionals look to for direction, support, resources, professional development, and networking opportunities. Whether you’re a program that’s school-based, community-based, or faith-based, NJSACC is here for everyone.
Dorine A. Francis has performed in the field of public service for over 20 years.
Answering a call to give and to serve, she is dedicated and committed to the community and to empowering others.
As a product of enrichment programs from Essex County College’s Summer
Youth Program in Newark, to Upward Bound at Seton Hall University in South Orange, to dance school to piano lessons to being a Girl Scout, Dorine knows the importance of pouring into youth to help them become well-rounded citizens of society that achieve their dreams and can pay it forward to help others in the community.
As a caretaker to several members in her village, Dorine knows the true meaning of values and family, as aside from her faith she holds nothing else greater.
Academically, Ms. Francis holds a BA in Corporate & Organizational
Communications with a minor in Marketing from The College of New Jersey, formerly Trenton State College. She also holds an MA in Public Administration with a concentration in Leadership from Centenary University. Although she is not yet a Doctoral Candidate, completing a PhD is on her horizon. In addition, she has participated in countless professional developments and training that have truly helped her hone her craft as a
leader and coach.
Dorine is the Director of Expanded Learning Opportunities, and newest member of NJSACC. Dorine unknowingly began her career in Out of School Time her senior year of undergrad when she did volunteer work on her college campus with youth of the Boys & Girls Club in Trenton. After graduation Dorine was a substitute teacher for the Maplewood/ South Orange Board of Education. Knowing she wanted to work with youth in a different capacity Dorine became a Program Coordinator for a NJ After 3 funded after-school program in Newark. From there she advanced to being the Project Director for a 21CCLC funded after-school program that supported 300 scholars in 3rd to 8th grade in collaboration with Newark Board of Education.
Having learned the strength of her voice, Dorine proudly serves as an After-School Ambassador working locally in the community and across the state advocating for youth to build awareness about the need for out of school time programs. In addition, Dorine has humbly served on Interdisciplinary Teams supporting the needs of the disenfranchised and marginalized.
Born in the great city of Newark, NJ, Dorine is a mom, twin, sister, aunt, niece, Godmother, friend, and homeowner residing in the West Ward of the township of Irvington
with her family.