TRENTON, NJ  — NJSACC: New Jersey’s Afterschool & Out-of-School Time Professional Network is proud to host its Annual Youth Advocacy Day on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the New Jersey State House in Trenton. This highly anticipated event serves as the kickoff to National Youth Voice Week March 24-28, 2025, celebrating youth empowerment and advocacy.

Building on the success of last year’s impactful gathering, this year’s event will once again provide students with an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with state legislators, witness a live Senate voting session, and learn about the legislative process. Students will meet with policymakers, tour the NJ State House, and advocate for issues critical to youth and afterschool programs throughout New Jersey.

For students, the experience is nothing short of transformative. Allesse J., a student from Camden Street Elementary, described her visit to the State Capitol as both “inspiring and great.” She shared, “I was able to represent After School All Stars and explain why I believe they should keep After School going. What made it interesting was seeing the legislators and what they do.”

Parents also saw the value in the experience. Teneva J., Allesse’s mother and a Site Coordinator at Camden Street Elementary, expressed her excitement about her daughter’s participation. “I was so proud and excited that my daughter Allesse was able to get the experience to go to the Capitol in the state she lives in. When I picked her up from the trip, she was so inspired and excited to tell me what she experienced. She learned so much about being a leader and, most importantly, how to fight for what she believes is right.”

Educators and program leaders echoed these sentiments. “Watching our Youth Advisory Board members step up into their leadership roles and advocate for themselves and afterschool programs was such a proud moment for me,” said Gail Campbell, ASAS NJ Program Manager, reflecting on last year’s experience. “It was a watershed moment for them to recognize their leadership potential.”

Governor Phil Murphy recently signed S2304/A1271, allowing public school students in grades 6 through 12 one State-excused absence per school year to participate in civic events, making it even easier for students to attend and engage in advocacy efforts. We are grateful to Senator Angela V. McKnight for the invitation and to the Office of Assemblyman Michael Venezia for their support.