Take a glimpse back an our incredible year of Connection, Development, and Community Engagement!
As we reflect on the 2024–2025 year at NJSACC, we are filled with gratitude and pride for all that we’ve accomplished together. This year has been one of meaningful connection, creative problem-solving, and steadfast commitment to the children, families, and professionals who make up the heartbeat of New Jersey’s afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) community.
At NJSACC, we believe afterschool and out-of-school time programs are essential — not optional — for supporting youth, families, and communities. We’re proud to share just a few highlights that showcase the dedication, creativity, and impact of the OST field. From new initiatives to statewide trainings, each milestone was made possible by the incredible people behind the programs.
This year we Released our Inaugural Annual Impact report
- The annual impact report quantifies NJSACC’s overall impact on the OST professional community.
- With your support you can help us serve more OST professionals and quality programming to support New Jersey’s Youth. Learn more here
annual conferences
- NJSACC Annual Conference For Afterschool and OST Professionals
- Annual Soaring Beyond Expectations 21st CCLC Showcase
ESSER Funding Toolkit for School Leaders
- Assisting school districts utilize the funds available to them through ESSER funding.
Afterschool FLASH
- NJSACC’s online blog connecting Afterschool and OST professionals with the most relevant news and events.
Professional Development
- Used as part of the process of continuous quality improvement.
Technical Assistance & Quality Coaching
- Provided with funding from the NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development as part of a Federal CCDF Block Grant Earmark, quality coaching staff provide targeted, technical assistance for school-age programs and providers.
Afterschool Conversations
- Join us for our monthly virtual networking sessions where we share updates from the field, resources, guest experts and speakers, and dynamic conversations with the OST school-age community throughout NJ.
A Gathering of Over 300 Afterschool Professionals Dedicated To Enhancing Youth Programs Across NJ!
CELEBRATED THE STATE’S SUCCESS IN AFTERSCHOOL, S.T.E.A.M, AND EXPANDED LEARNING
The 2025 NJSACC Afterschool and Out-of-School Time (OST) Conference, held on April 4–5 at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, brought together over 300 professionals dedicated to enhancing youth programs across New Jersey. This annual event featured more than 40 workshops covering topics such as S.T.E.A.M. education, social-emotional learning, grant writing, and youth advocacy to mention a few. Through 2 great days of networking NJSACC provided attendees with valuable tools and insights to elevate their programs.
Showcase Alley 2025 Sold Out With Over 30 Vendors!
Over 30 vendors came together to talk with decision makers on all the various ways they can help each other to give the best care for today’s youth.
Soaring Beyond Expectations
✈️ Over 100 professionals filled the rooms, fostering meaningful connections 🥏
June 4, 2025, Monroe Township, New Jersey’s Afterschool community came together again at the NJ Principals and Supervisors Association for Soaring Beyond Expectations: A Statewide Afterschool Celebration. Organized by NJSACC in collaboration with the NJ Department of Education’s 21st CCLC Programs, this all-day conference brought together afterschool personnel, youth workers, and program directors dedicated to enhancing OST.
Web based trainings
- NJSACC offers online professional development for free or low cost. Take trainings from the comfort of your home 24/7!
Enhanced Technical Assistance and Training
- NJSACC utilizes the New Jersey Quality Standards for Afterschool to design quality improvement plans for afterschool and OST programs in need of enhanced technical assistance and training… and so can you!
Quality Coaching Initiative
- With grant funding from the NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development as part of a Federal CCDF Block Grant Earmark, quality coaching staff provide targeted, technical assistance for school-age providers.
- In addition, quality coaching staff offer program observations, targeted tools and resources tailored to your individual program needs.
The (TTA) Program
- Provided with funding from the NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development as part of a Federal CCDF Block Grant Earmark, NJSACC’s quality coaching staff provide targeted, technical assistance for school-age programs and providers.
We changed a few things this year with our flash
- Changed platforms from Constant Contact to Pardot from Salesforce
- Updated the design and layout from our previous school-bus and blue-sky to a NJSACC branded email design
- Brought back some old highlights categories
- Brought in a few new “Newsletters” and sub-categories for better communications
Broaden your professional networks with real conversation
Join us for our monthly virtual networking sessions where we share updates from the field, resources, guest experts and speakers, and dynamic conversations with the OST school-age community throughout NJ.
Every third Thursday of the month, NJSACC hosts this easy to access online conversation to provide opportunities to network with other OST professionals.
National afterschool association
NJSACC is the New Jersey Affiliate of the National AfterShool Association. NAA and its State Affiliates share a mutual purpose and agreement to support, develop, and advocate for Out-of-School Time professionals and the profession. NAA and its State Affiliates build connectivity among stakeholders and create opportunities for engagement to ensure a vibrant future for the Out-of-School Time profession.
OST professionals who are not currently paid NAA members and live in New Jersey, our state affiliation and annual conference registration make you eligible for a free NAA membership. If you prefer, NAA membership may be purchased directly from NAA on a sliding scale from $25 to $150. Membership options may be found here on the NAA website.
50 State afterschool network
NJSACC is also a proud partner of the 50 State Afterschool Network.
Charles stewart mott foundation
Over more than nine decades, the Mott Foundation has sought to advance and strength the well-being of all aspects of the community.
Kit & njsacc work together like peanut butter & jelly
KIT partners with NJSACC to provide behavior and inclusion professional development throughout the year.
The moonshot always sets its sights on the stars
Each month, NJSACC brings you The Moonshot newsletter, rounding up accessible training opportunities, role models, and most importantly, STEM activities for New Jersey’s afterschool communities.
building a better future with support from the mott foundation
With support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA) and NJSACC, partnered to expand Youth Entrepreneurship education. Youth Entrepreneurship builds important 21st century and workforce skills, such as problem solving, financial literacy, and effective communication. It also encourages youth to have a ‘future oriented’ mindset; this mindset is critical for college and career readiness.
8,000 Events Countrywide of High-Quality, Enriching Experiences for All Students Highlighting the Need for Afterschool and OST Programs.
New Jersey legislators and community leaders joined in celebrating “Lights On Afterschool” this year. This helped to showcase the impact Afterschool and Out of School Time Programs have on students and communities across the state. Governor Phil Murphy issued a proclamation marking October 24 as “Lights On Afterschool Day,” emphasizing the essential role afterschool programs play in supporting student learning and family stability statewide.
Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Technical Assistance Grant
For 15 years, NJSACC partners with the New Jersey Department of Education to develop and conduct capacity building training and technical assistance to the Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC program staff and other eligible entities within New Jersey.
proudly helping our communities raise their standards
What are the NJ Quality Standards for Afterschool (NJQSA)?
- A resource for self-evaluation.
- Used as part of the process of continuous quality improvement.
- Includes a rubric providing descriptions of quality program performance levels.
not all injuries are visible, requiring a different approach to healing
Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a skills-based training that teaches OST professionals how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. NJSACC offers training in Youth MHFA at various times throughout the year.
3rd Annual Diane Genco Award for Excellence in Out-of-School Time
Now in its third year, the Diane Genco Award for Excellence in Out-of-School Time continues to highlight the importance of recognizing those who demonstrate outstanding commitment to high-quality afterschool and out-of-school time programming. Named in honor of NJSACC’s founder, the award reflects a long-standing dedication to elevating the field and affirming the critical role these programs play in youth development, equity, and education.
This year’s presentation took place during the annual conference, with Diane Genco in attendance — a meaningful moment that reinforced the ongoing need to celebrate and support excellence in OST. By honoring leaders who set a high standard, the award serves as both recognition and a call to action for the field as a whole.
NJSACC connected with over 600 OST professionals: impacting over 540,000 youth
- Over 600 OST Professionals were impacted through NJSACC’s conferences, workshops and training opportunities.
- Transitively 540,000+ youth were influenced by the work NJSACC did through these OST professionals.
Released Inaugural Annual Impact report
- The annual impact report quantifies NJSACC’s overall impact on the OST professional community.
new agency initiatives
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
- OST Career Pathways Program
- Taking The Pulse Survey 2024
Welcomed 5 new Board of Trustees Members
- Joseph Licata, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lower Bergen County
- Yolanda Greene, Associate at the Taylor Law Group LLC
- Michael Fletcher, Chief of Staff and Director, SEEDS-Access Changes Everything
- Celeste Banks, Director of Government Programs, Retention, and Recruitment, Irvington Public Schools
- Robert Foster, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Clifton
OST Advocacy at Afterschool for All Challenge in DC
- NJSACC staff and partner OST providers attended the 2024 Afterschool for All Advocacy Day on June 11th, 2024, to advocate for increased funding to support youth in OST programs.
NJ Quality Standards for Afterschool included in NJCCIS
- NJSACC has partnered with the NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development to include the NJQSA as a continuous program quality resource to be utilized by any state funded school-age provider, via NJCCIS.
South Jersey Mini-Conference – Equity in Access, Excellence in Practice
The first in the series, the South Jersey mini-conference launched NJSACC’s new approach to regional summer camp leadership training. Designed to bring high-impact professional development closer to home, the event offered OST staff practical tools, peer connection, and fresh strategies to lead engaging, inclusive summer programs. 
North Jersey Mini-Conference – Building Summer Camp Leaders Close to Home
Following South Jersey’s success, the North Jersey mini-conference continued the momentum with the same rich content and interactive sessions tailored for local OST professionals. By reducing travel barriers and increasing regional access, NJSACC made it easier for more staff to sharpen their skills and prepare for a strong summer. 
Central Jersey Mini-Conference – Expanding Reach, Strengthening Skills
The series wrapped in Central Jersey, bringing together a diverse group of summer program leaders for a day of focused training and collaboration. With each regional stop, the mini-conference model proved to be a powerful way to support OST professionals across the state — reinforcing NJSACC’s commitment to equity, access, and excellence.–
Patricia Pugliese – Middle School Visit Highlight 
Adam Cruz – Highlighted in AfterSchool Today Spring Changemakers Issue
Tyneisha Gibbs – Honored as this Year’s All-Star Champion Award recipient
Afterschool Advocacy In Action – A New Voice for the Field
This year, NJSACC proudly launched Afterschool Advocacy In Action, a new digital newsletter dedicated to amplifying the voices of youth, afterschool professionals, and programs across New Jersey. Created by a small but passionate team of three, the newsletter is designed to inform, inspire, and mobilize — spotlighting the critical role of afterschool programs in education, equity, and community well-being.
Each issue features real stories from the field, policy updates, and actionable steps readers can take to support OST at the local and state level. By lifting up the voices of those closest to the work, Afterschool Advocacy In Action helps turn everyday experiences into powerful advocacy tools — and reinforces the message that afterschool isn’t extra; it’s essential.
Remember Our Heroes
We also took moments to pause, reflect, and remember those in our field who are no longer with us. Through the “Remember Our Heroes” initiative, we honored the legacy of afterschool champions who paved the way. Their commitment continues to inspire and guide our work every day.
Highlight Your Program
This year, we reinvigorated our “Highlight Your Program” initiative — bringing fresh energy and visibility to a beloved tradition that hadn’t been active in recent years. Designed to showcase the incredible stories, people, and creativity within New Jersey’s afterschool programs, this initiative returned with new momentum and a renewed sense of purpose. Programs across the state shared vibrant photos, uplifting staff shout-outs, and student-driven projects that reflected the heart of OST. It was a joyful reminder of just how much talent, passion, and innovation exists in every corner of our community — and a testament to why afterschool matters.
As we close out another impactful year, we extend our deepest thanks to the dedicated professionals, partners, advocates, and supporters who make this work possible. Every training session attended, program delivered, and young person reached is a direct result of your commitment to excellence in out-of-school time.
We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together — and we know there’s more ahead. With your continued support, NJSACC will keep pushing for stronger systems, smarter policies, and greater access to quality afterschool and summer learning opportunities across New Jersey. Stay connected, stay inspired — and we’ll see you in the next chapter.