Author: NJSACC

NJSACC Highlights Professional Cassir Bastien For Shining in The Field! Cassir BastienDirector of the Center for After School and Expanded Learning21st CCLC Project DirectorSaint Peter’s University writes: “I began my journey in after-school programming as a 21-year-old intern at Saint Peter’s University, never imagining it would become my career. But through the guidance of an…

NJSACC Highlights Tim Zoyac For Shining In The Field! Tim ZoyacEvaluator & ConsultantFormer 21st CCLC Project DirectorWIZO Educational Services writes: “Afterschool is not ‘babysitting’ students after instructional time.  Afterschool to me means an opportunity to help students experience an enrichment that will impact their lives forever.  I myself was a student in afterschool programming. I…

NJSACC’s Technical Assistance Specialist Patricia Pugliese Shares Her Afterschool Story! Did you attend an afterschool program in your youth? Tell us what you did after school usually. I attended afterschool programs both in middle and high school. In HS, I attended the school’s gymnastics club twice a week. Not a great gymnast, but I did…

NJSACC Highlights Dr. Dawn Stokes-Tyler For Shining in the Field! Dr. Dawn Stokes-TylerSupervisor of Staff DevelopmentEast Orange School District writes: “Growing up, there were no afterschool programs in my neighborhood, and when one finally became available, my parents couldn’t afford it. I always wished for a safe, supportive space to go after school — a…

NJSACC Highlights State Senator Benjie E. Wimberly! State Senator Benjie E. Wimberly; LD-35 Director of RecreationCity of Paterson writes: “Afterschool and OST professionals get my full support. NJSACC is essential for our youth and families. As a recreation administrator, I personally see the impact of afterschool programs.I worked in recreation as a teenager, and when I became a college…

NJSACC Highlights Tamika L. Chester For Shining in the Field! Tamika L. Chester, MS Education Program Development Specialist 2Office of Student Support ServicesNew Jersey Department of Education writes: “Over the past 30 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how afterschool programs give kids the tools they need to succeed — academically, socially, and emotionally. They foster confidence,…

NJSACC’s Director of Policy and Youth Advocacy Tyneisha K. Gibbs Shares Her Afterschool Story! Did you attend an afterschool program in your youth? Tell us what you did after school usually. I didn’t attend formal afterschool programs but I was involved in extracurricular activities like my girl scout meetings on Elizabeth Ave. in Newark, summer…

NJSACC’s Communications Coordinator Shares His Afterschool Story! Tim writes: “Afterschool and Out Of School are some of the most crucial times to learn important social and emotional skills.In school is where the mind is grown, while out of school is where spirit and future can be built up. ” Did you attend an afterschool program…

NJSACC Highlights Ayana Bell For Shining in the Field! Ayana Bell writes: “Afterschool programs are more than just a place to go; they are where potential meets opportunity. As a former attendee and now director, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of these programs in shaping young minds and nurturing dreams. OST isn’t just an…

NJSACC’s Technical Assistance Specialist Dorine Francis Shares Her Thoughts on Afterschool! 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…