Blog Posts

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 Highlights Sean Phillips For Shining in the Field! Sean Philips writes: “I love Afterschool! For me Afterschool programs are a chance to fill in the gaps that may be left by the School Day or other childhood activities. Quality programs expose kids to new activities and ideas, let the quiet kids come out of…

NJSACC Highlights Alayna Harrison For Shining in the Field! Alayna Harrison writes: “What Afterschool means to me: Afterschool is a place for growth. You grow your community of those who care about your success. You grow knowledge in subjects you may not learn during the school day. You grow from the experiences and memories you…

NJSACC’s Director of Program Services Jessica Heiberg Shares Her Afterschool Story! Did you attend an afterschool program in your youth? Tell us what you did after school usually. I did not attend an afterschool program. After school, I would come home or go to a friend’s house. Usually I would do homework, watch a little…

NJSACC’s Quality Coach & Administrative Assistant Kandece Francis Shares Her Afterschool Story! Did you attend an afterschool program in your youth? Tell us what you did after school usually. Yes – Homework help, tutoring, cooking, theater, swimming, dance, chorus, intramural sports How were you introduced to NJSACC? Working with an afterschool program When did you…

NJSACC’s Quality Team Director Dagmar Wojcik Shares Her Afterschool Story! Did you attend an afterschool program in your youth? Tell us what you did after school usually. When I was growing up way back when, afterschool programs were not common in NJ suburbs, but we had a neighborhood full of busy kids of all ages,…

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 Chief Operating Officer Adam Cruz Shares His Afterschool Story! Did you attend an afterschool program in your youth? Tell us what you did after school usually. I was born in NYC but grew up in Paterson, NJ until I was 10 years old. Going to School #20 meant that most of us with parents…

NJSACC’s Director of Special Projects Sarah Cruz Shares Her Afterschool Story! Did you attend an afterschool program in your youth? Tell us what you did after school usually. I attended the Community Center afterschool program that my mother worked in. It was called the Frog Hollow Community Center in Montclair, NJ and it was located…

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…