Category: News

🌍 Empowering Youth for a Greener Future This Earth Day Earth Day is more than a moment on the calendar—it’s a powerful reminder of our role as educators in shaping a sustainable future. Afterschool programs have a unique opportunity to inspire environmental curiosity and stewardship in ways that are hands-on, community-centered, and deeply engaging. Whether…

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 Deidre Johnson For Shining in The Field! Deidre JohnsonDirector of Youth Services21st CCLC, FFC, Ironbound After School, CBVI,Summer Arts and Recreation & Summer Plus Program writes: “When working in afterschool, it has always been my goal to provide my students with a new experience; introducing creative programming and elevating the standards of…

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,…