Take a glimpse back an our incredible year of Connection, Development, and Community Engagement!
As we reflect on the 2024–2025 year at NJSACC, we are filled with gratitude and pride for all that we’ve accomplished together. This year has been one of meaningful connection, creative problem-solving, and steadfast commitment to the children, families, and professionals who make up the heartbeat of New Jersey’s afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) community.
From professional development to statewide advocacy, from STEM-rich trainings to joyful convenings, this has been a year where we’ve continued to invest in what matters most: the people.
This year we Released our Inaugural Annual Impact report
- The annual impact report quantifies NJSACC’s overall impact on the OST professional community.
- With your support you can help us serve more OST professionals and quality programming to support New Jersey’s Youth. Learn more here
annual conferences
- NJSACC Annual Conference For Afterschool and OST Professionals
- Annual Soaring Beyond Expectations 21st CCLC Showcase
ESSER Funding Toolkit for School Leaders
- Assisting school districts utilize the funds available to them through ESSER funding.
Afterschool FLASH
- NJSACC’s online blog connecting Afterschool and OST professionals with the most relevant news and events.
Professional Development
- Used as part of the process of continuous quality improvement.
Technical Assistance & Quality Coaching
- Provided with funding from the NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development as part of a Federal CCDF Block Grant Earmark, quality coaching staff provide targeted, technical assistance for school-age programs and providers.
Afterschool Conversations
- Join us for our monthly virtual networking sessions where we share updates from the field, resources, guest experts and speakers, and dynamic conversations with the OST school-age community throughout NJ.
A Gathering of Over 300 Afterschool Professionals Dedicated To Enhancing Youth Programs Across NJ!
CELEBRATED THE STATE’S SUCCESS IN AFTERSCHOOL, S.T.E.A.M, AND EXPANDED LEARNING
The 2025 NJSACC Afterschool and Out-of-School Time (OST) Conference, held on April 4–5 at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, brought together over 300 professionals dedicated to enhancing youth programs across New Jersey. This annual event featured more than 40 workshops covering topics such as S.T.E.A.M. education, social-emotional learning, grant writing, and youth advocacy to mention a few. Through 2 great days of networking NJSACC provided attendees with valuable tools and insights to elevate their programs.
Showcase Alley 2025 Sold Out With Over 30 Vendors!
Over 30 vendors came together to talk with decision makers on all the various ways they can help each other to give the best care for today’s youth.
Soaring Beyond Expectations
✈️ Over 100 professionals filled the rooms, fostering meaningful connections 🥏
June 4, 2025, Monroe Township, New Jersey’s Afterschool community came together again at the NJ Principals and Supervisors Association for Soaring Beyond Expectations: A Statewide Afterschool Celebration. Organized by NJSACC in collaboration with the NJ Department of Education’s 21st CCLC Programs, this all-day conference brought together afterschool personnel, youth workers, and program directors dedicated to enhancing OST.
Web based trainings
- NJSACC offers online professional development for free or low cost. Take trainings from the comfort of your home 24/7!
Enhanced Technical Assistance and Training
- NJSACC utilizes the New Jersey Quality Standards for Afterschool to design quality improvement plans for afterschool and OST programs in need of enhanced technical assistance and training… and so can you!
Quality Coaching Initiative
- With grant funding from the NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development as part of a Federal CCDF Block Grant Earmark, quality coaching staff provide targeted, technical assistance for school-age providers.
- In addition, quality coaching staff offer program observations, targeted tools and resources tailored to your individual program needs.
The (TTA) Program
- Provided with funding from the NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development as part of a Federal CCDF Block Grant Earmark, NJSACC’s quality coaching staff provide targeted, technical assistance for school-age programs and providers.
We changed a few things this year with our flash
- Changed platforms from Constant Contact to Pardot from Salesforce
- Updated the design and layout from our previous school-bus and blue-sky to a NJSACC branded email design
- Brought back some old highlights categories
- Brought in a few new “Newsletters” and sub-categories for better communications
The esser funding toolkit: optimize your district’s funds
NJSACC’s free, downloadable toolkit has all of the information needed to help school leaders use ESSER funds to partner with quality afterschool and OST providers and meet NJDOE requirements.
Broaden your professional networks with real conversation
Join us for our monthly virtual networking sessions where we share updates from the field, resources, guest experts and speakers, and dynamic conversations with the OST school-age community throughout NJ.
Every third Thursday of the month, NJSACC hosts this easy to access online conversation to provide opportunities to network with other OST professionals.
National afterschool association
NJSACC is the New Jersey Affiliate of the National AfterShool Association. NAA and its State Affiliates share a mutual purpose and agreement to support, develop, and advocate for Out-of-School Time professionals and the profession. NAA and its State Affiliates build connectivity among stakeholders and create opportunities for engagement to ensure a vibrant future for the Out-of-School Time profession.
OST professionals who are not currently paid NAA members and live in New Jersey, our state affiliation and annual conference registration make you eligible for a free NAA membership. If you prefer, NAA membership may be purchased directly from NAA on a sliding scale from $25 to $150. Membership options may be found here on the NAA website.
50 State afterschool network
NJSACC is also a proud partner of the 50 State Afterschool Network.
Charles stewart mott foundation
Over more than nine decades, the Mott Foundation has sought to advance and strength the well-being of all aspects of the community.
Kit & njsacc work together like peanut butter & jelly
KIT partners with NJSACC to provide behavior and inclusion professional development throughout the year.
Proudly supporting the positive work of s.t.e.a.m programs with full steam ahead
NJSACC’s Afterschool Initiative brings new resources, training and expertise to NJ’s afterschool and OST providers.
The moonshot always sets its sights on the stars
Each month, NJSACC brings you The Moonshot newsletter, rounding up accessible training opportunities, role models, and most importantly, STEM activities for New Jersey’s afterschool communities.
building a better future with support from the mott foundation
With support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA) and NJSACC, partnered to expand Youth Entrepreneurship education. Youth Entrepreneurship builds important 21st century and workforce skills, such as problem solving, financial literacy, and effective communication. It also encourages youth to have a ‘future oriented’ mindset; this mindset is critical for college and career readiness.
8,000 Events Countrywide of High-Quality, Enriching Experiences for All Students Highlighting the Need for Afterschool and OST Programs.
New Jersey legislators and community leaders joined in celebrating “Lights On Afterschool” this year. This helped to showcase the impact Afterschool and Out of School Time Programs have on students and communities across the state. Governor Phil Murphy issued a proclamation marking October 24 as “Lights On Afterschool Day,” emphasizing the essential role afterschool programs play in supporting student learning and family stability statewide.
Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Technical Assistance Grant
For 15 years, NJSACC partners with the New Jersey Department of Education to develop and conduct capacity building training and technical assistance to the Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC program staff and other eligible entities within New Jersey.
proudly helping our communities raise their standards
What are the NJ Quality Standards for Afterschool (NJQSA)?
- A resource for self-evaluation.
- Used as part of the process of continuous quality improvement.
- Includes a rubric providing descriptions of quality program performance levels.
not all injuries are visible, requiring a different approach to healing
Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a skills-based training that teaches OST professionals how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. NJSACC offers training in Youth MHFA at various times throughout the year.
3rd annual Diane Genco Award for Excellence in Out-of-School Time was awarded to
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NJSACC connected with over 600 OST professionals: impacting over 540,000 youth
- Over 600 OST Professionals were impacted through NJSACC’s conferences, workshops and training opportunities.
- Transitively 540,000+ youth were influenced by the work NJSACC did through these OST professionals.
Released Inaugural Annual Impact report
- The annual impact report quantifies NJSACC’s overall impact on the OST professional community.
new agency initiatives
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
- OST Career Pathways Program
- Taking The Pulse Survey 2024
Welcomed 5 new Board of Trustees Members
- Joseph Licata, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lower Bergen County
- Yolanda Greene, Associate at the Taylor Law Group LLC
- Michael Fletcher, Chief of Staff and Director, SEEDS-Access Changes Everything
- Celeste Banks, Director of Government Programs, Retention, and Recruitment, Irvington Public Schools
- Robert Foster, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Clifton
OST Advocacy at Afterschool for All Challenge in DC
- NJSACC staff and partner OST providers attended the 2024 Afterschool for All Advocacy Day on June 11th, 2024, to advocate for increased funding to support youth in OST programs.
NJ Quality Standards for Afterschool included in NJCCIS
- NJSACC has partnered with the NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development to include the NJQSA as a continuous program quality resource to be utilized by any state funded school-age provider, via NJCCIS.
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Patricia Pugliese – Middle School Visit Highlight 
Adam Cruz – Highlighted in AfterSchool Today Spring Changemakers Issue
Tyneisha Gibbs – Honored as this Year’s All-Star Champion Award recipient
NJSACC Launches new Advocacy In Action Newsletter (March 2025)
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Remember Our Heroes
We also took moments to pause, reflect, and remember those in our field who are no longer with us. Through the “Remember Our Heroes” initiative, we honored the legacy of afterschool champions who paved the way. Their commitment continues to inspire and guide our work every day.
Highlight Your Program
This year, we reinvigorated our “Highlight Your Program” initiative — bringing fresh energy and visibility to a beloved tradition that hadn’t been active in recent years. Designed to showcase the incredible stories, people, and creativity within New Jersey’s afterschool programs, this initiative returned with new momentum and a renewed sense of purpose. Programs across the state shared vibrant photos, uplifting staff shout-outs, and student-driven projects that reflected the heart of OST. It was a joyful reminder of just how much talent, passion, and innovation exists in every corner of our community — and a testament to why afterschool matters.
