🍅 Hunger Free New Jersey Released The State of Afterschool Meals Learn more here Hunger Free New Jersey released The State of Afterschool Meals in New Jersey, a new report examining participation in the CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program, where access gaps remain, and opportunities to reach more children. New Jersey has made meaningful progress in expanding afterschool meals. But in 2025, the state reached just 4 of every 100 children participating in free or…

💡 Let’s Light Up New Jersey for Lights On Afterschool! https://youtu.be/fzMDXUAnJm0?si=L-WO1XeVcBDpUZ75 On Thursday, October 22, afterschool programs and supporters across the country will celebrate the 27th annual Lights On Afterschool. It’s an opportunity to recognize the people, partnerships, and programs that help young people discover new interests, build confidence, develop skills, and feel connected to their communities. Afterschool professionals know that the impact of this work goes far beyond the hours between the school bell…

🎭 Proud to Contribute to the Inclusion Guide for Arts Education Learn more here NJSACC is excited to share the new Inclusion Guide for Arts Education, created to help professionals strengthen inclusive practices and create meaningful arts experiences for every young person. As proud members of the guide’s writing team, we hope you’ll explore this resource, discover useful ideas, and find strategies you can bring back to your own programs. Arts Ed NJ, in partnership…

🍁 Fall Is Here and Mizzen is Growing Gardeners! Explore Gardening with Kids Hub It’s the first day of fall. The air is cooler, the light is softer, and somewhere a kid is pulling on gloves for the first time to help clear out the summer beds, thanks to an educator who made the time for it. That’s why Farm to Table Kids, Coast of Maine, and Mizzen are teaming up this season to bring…

NJSACC’s 2026-2027 Professional Development Opportunities NJSACC offers a variety of engaging virtual and in-person professional development and technical assistance opportunities for all staff working in school-age child care, afterschool, and out-of-school-time (OST) programs. Guided by the New Jersey Quality Standards for Afterschool (NJQSA), training topics include leading activities, behavior and inclusion, team building, leadership development, program planning/management, STEM, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), working with families, and so much more! Check out the professional development opportunities…

NJSACC Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month. You can too. National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates and recognizes the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to American society and culture and to honor five of our Central American neighbors who celebrate their Independence days in September. Top National Hispanic Heritage Month Resources: 4 Crafts for National Hispanic Heritage Month 10 Inspiring Latinas Who’ve Made History NEA Hispanic Heritage Month What Is Hispanic Heritage Month—and Who Celebrates It? NJSACC…

⛈️Disaster Assistance Available for NJ Business and Private Nonprofits The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for eligible small businesses and private nonprofit organizations impacted by excessive rain occurring May 1, 2025 – July 1, 2025. Eligible counties include: New Jersey: Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren New York: Orange Pennsylvania: Bucks, Monroe, Northampton and Pike We encourage you to share the attached flyer throughout your…

🎤 Built to Last. Ready to Rise. Bring Your Voice to NAA27 From March 14–17, 2027, over a thousand afterschool and youth development professionals will gather in Denver for NAA27. They’ll come from across the country and across the field — from direct-service professionals to system leaders — ready to connect with colleagues, strengthen their practice, and discover ideas they can take back to their programs and communities. We want NAA members like you to…

🔬 NEW DATA: Afterschool STEM Takes Off! A parent looking for an afterschool program wants a safe environment, caring staff, and engaging activities. Increasingly, that means activities that get their child building, coding, and asking questions about how things work, and afterschool programs have stepped up to meet that expectation by offering more science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning experiences than ever before.   This America After 3PM special report, funded by Overdeck Family…