Author: NJSACC

✨🏕️ Take only memories, leave only footprints at Changemakers 2025! 🏕️✨ Nominate a Changemaker now for our 100% FREE summer camp for high school-age advocates who are ready to transform their communities with groundbreaking initiatives! Applications open until May 1 >> gsequality.org/camp25 This opportunity is available to any New Jersey student entering 10th-12th grade in…

NJSACC Highlights Professional Dr. Allen S. Potts For Shining in The Field! Dr. Allen S. PottsProgram DirectorNita Lowey 21st CCLC Program writes: “Working in the OST space has given me the opportunity to have a phenomenal impact on our youth and community by providing programs that effectively support their growth and prepare them for college,…

✨ NJSACC Highlights Professional Samuel Frisby For Shining in The Field! Mercer County Commissioner Samuel FrisbyVice President of Certification, Membership StandardsYMCA of the USA writes: “Engaging a young person with caring adults, surrounded by friends, in a place they feel safe and acknowledged is the ultimate testament of a communities village. Good out of school…

NJSACC’s CEO Ebony Grace Shares Her Afterschool Story! Ebony writes: “New Jersey’s Afterschool and OST professionals provide essential enrichment, support and resources that bolster the development of youth. I am a product of and a success story demonstrating the power of OST programs and the need for OST professionals. NJSACC is proud to provide professional…

NJSACC’s Chief Operating Officer Adam Cruz Shares His Afterschool Story! Adam writes: “Afterschool and out-of-school time programs are vital to young people’s successful development. Professionals in our field work with youth every day to help them problem-solve, build confidence, explore career paths, and learn essential social-emotional skills. NJSACC provides the necessary support and advocacy to…

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…