NJSACC Advocacy Priorities: Expanding Afterschool and Out-of-School Time (OST) Opportunities in New Jersey
NJSACC envisions a New Jersey where every child has access to high-quality afterschool and OST programs that support learning, personal growth, and career readiness. These programs are essential for working families, academic success, and youth well-being. To achieve this vision, we advocate for policies that ensure equitable access, workforce development, and sustained investment in OST programs.
NJSACC is:
- Advocate for dedicated funding streams to expand OST program availability statewide.
- Raise awareness among policymakers and stakeholders about the impact of afterschool and summer programs on academic performance, youth development, and workforce readiness.
- Center youth and family voices in policy discussions to ensure OST programs meet community needs.
- Strengthen regional advocacy efforts to support local OST initiatives.
- Leverage federal and state funding sources, including the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), to enhance program reach and sustainability.
- Align per-student funding rates with the true cost of program operations to ensure sustainability.
- Foster collaboration between schools and OST providers to support seamless learning experiences.
- Promote NJSACC as a leader in expanded learning, technical assistance, and quality improvement for OST programs statewide.
- Encourage widespread adoption of New Jersey’s Quality Standards for Afterschool and OST programs.
- Advocate for competitive wages, benefits, and career pathways to sustain a skilled OST workforce.
- Expand professional development and credentialing opportunities for OST staff, including scholarships and incentives for training.
- Support workforce equity initiatives to address disparities and improve retention of OST professionals.
- Expand access to technical assistance and support services for OST providers.
- Address administrative barriers that hinder OST program funding and compliance.
- Streamline funding application and contracting processes to reduce bureaucratic burdens on providers.
- Promote accountability and continuous quality improvement in afterschool and OST programs.
- Evaluate the impact of OST programs in New Jersey to inform future investments and policy decisions.
- Make recommendations related to state funding for OST programs, provide testimony in support of those recommendations, track the history of public funding, and advocate for equitable policies to be enacted like the OST Commission bill.
- Secure increased federal funding for 21st CCLC programs to meet the growing demand for afterschool and summer learning opportunities.
- Highlight the success of federal relief investments, such as the American Rescue Plan, in expanding OST programs for high-need communities.
- Advocate for sustained federal support to prevent program closures and ensure long-term stability.
NJSACC Advocacy In Action: Time Sensitive Op-Ed
New Jersey Must Protect Afterschool—Before It's Too Late
New Jersey Must Protect Afterschool—Before It’s Too Late
By Ebony D. Grace, Chief Executive Officer, NJSACC: New Jersey’s Afterschool and Out-of-School Time Professional Network
What if the hours after school were a crucial part of youth learning, skill building, confidence, and connections?
That’s the reality for thousands of children across New Jersey who benefit from afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs. These programs help students build academic confidence, social-emotional skills, supportive relationships and curb chronic absenteeism. Afterschool and OST programs keep kids safe, allow parents to work, and connect families to vital community resources. But without action, we are at serious risk of losing them.
The proposed federal budget eliminates funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC)—the largest federal investment in afterschool and summer learning. This program currently serves nearly 1.4 million youth nationwide, including 32,475 children in New Jersey. Our state receives $33 million annually from 21st CCLC, funding 67 grantees at 152 sites in 39 communities across 18 counties, from Atlantic City to Paterson. See the full list here: NJ 21st CCLC grantees.
This funding not only supports academic enrichment, it supports snacks and meals for hungry children. It provides a space to talk about mental health. It gives working parents peace of mind and children a place to belong. The proposed budget would either eliminate the program outright or fold it into a $2 billion block grant, combining 18 education programs and slashing $12 billion in overall education funding. This is not consolidation—it’s erasure.
Here in New Jersey, the impact would be immediate and devastating. That’s why we cannot rely solely on the federal government. More than 28 other states have already created state-level investments in afterschool and summer learning. New Jersey can—and should—be next. That’s why NJSACC and over 11 other leading organizations, including the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children, the New Jersey Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance, are urging lawmakers to pass A2414/S3457.
This legislation would create a statewide Out-of-School Time Advisory Commission to examine access, equity, funding, and quality in afterschool and summer programs. It is the first step in developing a sustainable, coordinated funding stream for OST programs that serve New Jersey’s working families and vulnerable youth.
The urgency is clear. For every child in an afterschool program in our state, three more are waiting for access. That’s over 650,000 children who could benefit from mentorship, learning support, and safe environments—but are locked out due to cost, transportation, or lack of local options.
While California, Florida, Michigan, and Pennsylvania have invested in OST to meet this demand New Jersey has not yet restored a dedicated state funding stream, since it was zeroed out under the Chris Christie administration. Families here face child care costs that can exceed $17,000 per year—often surpassing college tuition.
A 2024 Gallup report found that low-income families access afterschool programs at just 38% the rate of higher-income peers, deepening opportunity gaps that begin early and last a lifetime. OST programs close those gaps. They improve attendance, increase engagement in school, and reduce youth crime during peak hours. They also build skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership—qualities essential for New Jersey’s future workforce.
Research from the National Academies of Sciences underscores what we’ve known for years: learning doesn’t stop at 3 p.m. In fact, 80% of a child’s waking hours occur outside of school. OST programs provide essential space for real-world learning, creativity, and connection.
But while the benefits are clear, the system remains fragile. A fractured, underfunded landscape of short-term grants and overstretched staff cannot meet the growing demand. That’s why we need a coordinated statewide plan to invest in the OST field—one that includes workforce development, sustainable funding, and equitable access for all children, regardless of their ZIP code. This is about opportunity, economic stability, and supporting the entire child care ecosystem. And still, no stable state-level investment exists for school-age care.
At NJSACC, we’ve spent decades supporting providers, training staff, and advocating for youth. Afterschool and summer programs in the Garden State are doing exceptional work and need additional resources to continue these essential services. “NJSACC is committed to continue our work in perpetuity, however, we are only providing a portion of the systemic support necessary for high quality afterschool and OST programs.” Nearly all provide academic support and enrichment (96–98%), with 91% offering meals and social connection. They serve as vital hubs of safety and growth. Yet nearly half now have waitlists—up from just 23% last year—and 1 in 3 fear permanent closure due to funding instability.
Staffing remains a chronic issue. Providers report losing staff to better wages elsewhere, while struggling to offer full-time hours or sufficient benefits. Nearly half (47%) say it’s difficult to hire or retain staff. We’ve watched the OST workforce—often women of color from the very communities they serve—show up day after day, underpaid and under-recognized. And while many programs are working to improve conditions—raising wages, offering professional development—their resources are finite.
These programs are foundational to child development, education, workforce preparation, and community well-being. Their success is our success. They deserve more than gratitude. They deserve real investment.
Passing A2414/S3457 is a critical step toward building the afterschool and summer learning system New Jersey families and the workforce deserves. It will help ensure that every child, from Phillipsburg to Parsippany, has a safe, enriching place to go when the school day ends.
Governor Murphy has rightly invested in early childhood education. Let’s complete that vision and invest in the continuum of care, from Cradle to Career like the Wallace Foundation suggests. Let’s pass A2414/S3457 and Senator McKnight’s budget resolution #557. This will ensure that New Jersey’s children—and the programs that support them—have the funding, structure, and support they need to thrive.
The future of afterschool is hanging in the balance. Let’s act now—before the lights go out on a lifeline too many families can’t afford to lose.
Use this toolkit to learn how you can share your story, educate decision-makers, and protect these vital programs: https://buff.ly/eN6pMIV
NJSACC Advocacy In Action: Latest Blog Post (April 2025)
Ensuring Continuity: Advocating for New Jersey's Child Care Infrastructure Amid HHS Regional Office Closures
WESTFIELD, NJ —
The unexpected closure of five regional offices within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)—including Region 2, which serves New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—has introduced significant uncertainty into the future of child care and early education funding. These offices have long supported key programs such as the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and Head Start, which thousands of New Jersey families rely on for high-quality, affordable care.
With no transition plan released and affected staff placed on leave, it remains unclear how grant administration and program oversight will move forward—especially with new grant cycles beginning May 1.
What This Means for New Jersey
For providers, families, and advocates in New Jersey, the closure of Region 2’s office could have immediate and long-term consequences:
Delays in Grant Processing: Without assigned federal points of contact, state agencies and local providers may face delays in receiving critical child care and Head Start funding.
Reduced Support for Providers: Regional staff often provided technical assistance, guidance, and oversight to ensure program quality and compliance.
Potential Disruptions to Services: If funding streams are interrupted, the availability of child care services—especially for low-income families—may be affected.
This comes at a time when New Jersey’s child care sector is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, grappling with workforce shortages, financial challenges, and rising demand for services.
What You Can Do: Advocate for NJ Families and Providers
Now is the time to come together in advocacy, education, and awareness to ensure that New Jersey’s child care system remains strong, funded, and supported.
✅ Call Your Federal Legislators
Ask them to:
Seek immediate clarity from HHS on how Region 2’s responsibilities will be reassigned;
Advocate for transparent, uninterrupted administration of federal child care and early education grants;
Ensure that providers and families in New Jersey are not left behind in this transition.
📍 Find your U.S. Senators and Representatives here
✅ Join Forces with other Advocacy Partners
Collaboration strengthens our voice. These organizations are actively working to protect and advance early childhood services in New Jersey:
NJAEYC (New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children)
A leading advocate for early childhood education professionals, NJAEYC is a vital resource for mobilizing action and staying informed.
Child Care Aware of New Jersey
Works to promote accessible, affordable, and high-quality child care through advocacy and public awareness.
Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ)
Champions policies that benefit children and families, including child care and early learning access.
✅ Stay Informed and Involved
Keep up with announcements from the New Jersey Department of Human Services, participate in public comment opportunities, and share your experiences. Your voice helps shape how child care is funded and supported moving forward.
At NJSACC, we believe that every child and family deserves stable, quality care, regardless of administrative changes. Together, we can ensure that the needs of New Jersey’s childcare community remain a priority—because when we advocate together, we grow stronger together.
Federal Cuts to Violence Prevention Programs Jeopardize Safety and Support for NJ Youth
At NJSACC, we are deeply alarmed by the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent decision to rescind $811 million in federal funding intended for Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention (CBVIP) programs across the country. For New Jersey, this means a devastating loss of over $35 million in critical support for organizations that serve as a lifeline for young people — especially in communities already facing chronic disinvestment.
These programs are more than just lines in a budget. They represent boots-on-the-ground work in mentoring, trauma-informed care, mental wellness support, rehabilitation, and school safety. They are led by trusted community partners who build relationships with youth, defuse conflict before it escalates, and provide alternatives to violence. These same partners now face staff layoffs, program shutdowns, and a deep uncertainty about the future — all at the expense of the over 2 million children in our state, many of whom already struggle to access the support systems they need and deserve.
The ripple effect of this decision cannot be overstated. In an era where school safety, youth mental health, and community stability are top priorities, pulling this funding midstream undercuts years of progress and destabilizes essential networks of care. For many young people in New Jersey, CBVIP programs serve as one of the few safe spaces outside of school and home — places where they are seen, heard, and supported.
As a statewide organization committed to advancing quality out-of-school time (OST) programming, NJSACC stands in solidarity with our CBVIP partners. We know firsthand how deeply interconnected youth development, public safety, and equitable access to resources truly are. This is not just a funding issue — it’s a youth justice issue.
We urge our state and federal leaders to explore every possible avenue to restore and protect this funding. Our communities cannot afford to lose these programs. Our youth cannot afford to be overlooked.
What You Can Do
Contact your elected officials and urge them to advocate for the restoration of federal CBVIP funding. Find your representatives here: https://www.congress.gov/members
Share your story or how these programs have impacted your community — your voice matters.
Support local organizations impacted by the cuts, like the Newark Community Street Team, which works tirelessly to reduce violence and support youth through community engagement, trauma-informed services, and prevention strategies.
Now more than ever, we must work together to invest in the systems that lift young people up — not take them away.
Become an Advocate for Afterschool: Participate in the Afterschool for All Challenge
The Afterschool for All Challenge is coming! On Tuesday, May 6, we’re joining advocates nationwide to remind Congress why afterschool and summer programs are essential for youth, families, and communities. Save the date and use the Challenge webpage on May 6 to contact your members of Congress and encourage others to take action.
Here’s how you can prepare and participate:
1. Join the Afterschool Alliance for a special edition of the Policy Pulse on May 2 at noon ET
Get the latest federal policy updates and tips for participating in the Challenge from Erik Peterson, Senior Vice President of Policy, and Shaun Gray, Senior Manager of Design and Events. Be sure to submit your questions in advance.
2. Take Action on May 6
Call or email your members of Congress to share the impact of OST programs in your community. After sending your message, share your advocacy on social media and inspire others to raise their voices for afterschool.
Together, we can ensure every young person in New Jersey has access to safe, enriching, and equitable out-of-school time opportunities. Let’s build the future of OST—one action at a time.
3. Help get the word out!
Use the sample posts in the Digital Action Toolkit to promote the Challenge now and to tag and thank members of Congress for supporting afterschool and summer programs on May 6.
Federal Clawback of Mental Health Funds Undermines NJ Progress in Supporting Youth
At NJSACC, we know that strong out-of-school time programs work hand in hand with schools to support the whole child—and that means prioritizing mental health as much as academic achievement. That’s why the recent announcement that the U.S. Department of Education will claw back nearly $1 billion in federal funds from the School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) Grant Program and its companion Mental Health Screening in Schools (MHSS) initiative is deeply troubling.
This decision threatens to dismantle critical progress in school-based mental health services across the nation—and right here in New Jersey.
Earlier this year, New Jersey received a five-year, $14 million federal SBMH grant to expand the presence of school counselors, psychologists, and social workers in schools with the highest needs. The state committed to matching those federal dollars with $1 million annually, and local educational agencies (LEAs) were selected through a competitive grant process to launch and sustain these services.
The following New Jersey school districts were selected for this critical funding:
Bogota Public Schools
Hackensack Public Schools
Collingswood Borough Public Schools
Gloucester Township Public Schools
Cumberland Regional School District
Union City School District
Perth Amboy Public Schools
Jackson Township School District
Pinelands Regional School District
Hillside Township School District
Union Township School District (Union County)
Their inclusion in this program represented a meaningful step forward in addressing the urgent and growing youth mental health crisis in our state.
Let’s not forget: even before the pandemic, up to 1 in 5 children in the U.S. experienced a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder. The 2021 U.S. Surgeon General’s report called youth mental health a national crisis. In response, New Jersey leaders acted swiftly and comprehensively, investing in interagency collaborations, screening tools, and a workforce pipeline to increase both the number and diversity of school-based mental health professionals.
Undoing this funding now pulls the rug out from under the school districts and professionals who have already begun building the systems and supports our students’ needs. Moreover, it risks the success of our state’s broader strategy to expand access to care and cultivate a diverse pipeline of well-trained providers—something our communities of color and underserved districts cannot afford to lose.
This isn’t just a policy reversal. It’s a setback with real consequences for real kids.
We urge federal leaders to reconsider this decision and reinstate these critical investments. At NJSACC, we remain committed to advocating for policies that protect and expand access to mental health supports for all New Jersey youth—in school, after school, and beyond.
Let’s stand together for student mental health. The future of our children depends on it.
programs, email tgibbs@njsacc.org.
Tyneisha K. Gibbs
Director of Policy & Youth Advocacy
NJSACC: New Jersey’s Afterschool & Out-of-School Time (OST) Professional Network
NJSACC Advocacy In Action: Newsletter (April 2025)
NJSACC’s Advocacy In Action Newsletter highlights critical news, updates, and resources impacting afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) professionals and supporters across New Jersey and around the country. Click on each accordion below to read each article.
Lights on Afterschool
Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage across the country each year.
The Afterschool Alliance organizes Lights On Afterschool to draw attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things—such as science, community service, robotics, Tae Kwon Do and poetry—and discover new skills. The events send a powerful message that millions more kids need quality afterschool programs.
Be sure to register your Lights On event here: http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/loa.cfm
Check out the following resources to help promote Lights On!
