FLASH

A Gathering of Over 300 Afterschool Professionals Dedicated To Enhancing Youth Programs Across NJ! ​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…

Leading For Quality: Building the Next Generation of STEAM Educators In Person: Wednesday, 5/710 AM – 3 PM Virtual: Wednesdays 5/14 and 5/21 1 PM -2:30PM  Target Audience: New Jersey 21st CCLC program staff and non-21st CCLC program coordinators who: Want to develop or strengthen their expertise in STEAM education. Are eager to train and mentor colleagues in delivering high-quality STEAM programs. Seek innovative strategies to engage youth in meaningful, hands-on STEAM experiences. Are interested in building…

Soaring Beyond Expectations: A Statewide Afterschool CelebrationAGENDA IS OUT NOW!! DOWNLOAD BELOW. Presented by New Jersey‘s 21st Century Community Learning Center Programs See a brief agenda Here and download the full pdf below! 9:00 am – 9:45 am ( Welcome ) 9:00am Registration / Breakfast9:30am Welcome / Opening- 21st CCLC Team9:45am Transition To Workshops 10:00 am – 11:15 am ( Session I: Participants choose 1 session ) Boosting Engagement: Proven Strategies for Increasing Enrollment, Attendance, and…

Ready STEM GO: 2 Day Virtual Conference! Ready, STEM, Go! A national alliance of afterschool networks supported by the STEM Next Opportunity Fund are partnering to host a two-day virtual conference, shining a spotlight on resources, strategies and inspiration to boost out-of-school-time (OST) STEM programming.  Sessions will highlight resources and programs that support the unique afterschool STEM program models and provide actionable steps for OST professionals to: ●      Introduce high quality curriculum options…

✨🏕️ 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 September 2025, regardless of their identity. Lodging, transportation, food, and programming costs are all covered for participants. Camp runs Aug.…

Brick by Brick: A Leader’s Guide to Building SEL in Schools Dear SEL4NJ Colleague: The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), in collaboration with the Social Emotional and Character Development Lab at Rutgers University looks forward to the release of an upcoming online course, Brick by Brick: A Leader’s Guide to Building SEL in Schools. This asynchronous course includes five modules to support school leaders to implement systemic SEL in schools. Prior to the course launch, the Social Emotional…

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, careers, and life. I believe positive influences play a crucial role in shaping well rounded individuals.”

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 time programs help young people see the world the way they imagine it could be. I have observed this mental transformation…

🌍 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 through gardening projects, recycling challenges, nature-based STEM activities, or discussions about climate justice, we help young people see themselves as…