NJSACC Annual Conference Attended by 300 Afterschool Program Professionals

The largest statewide conference for NJ afterschool and out-of-school time professionals celebrated the state’s success in afterschool, S.T.E.A.M, and Expanded learning

NJSACC, the nonprofit organization serving New Jersey’s afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) professional community, held its annual conference April 26-27, 2024, featuring over 40 workshops and speakers aimed at improving the quality of afterschool and out-of-school time programs.

This year’s conference addressed essential afterschool topics including over 8 hours of professional development offered in topics such as team building and STEM implementation, workplace professionalism and leadership, mental health and social-emotional learning, financial literacy and stress management, budgeting and behavior, summer camp and core competencies.

This year, to honor our professional community, the 2nd annual Diane Genco Award for Excellence in Out-of-School Time was awarded to Dr. Dawn Stokes-Tyler of East Orange Public Schools, Director of the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, The Path. This award recognizes a professional nominated by peers because they exemplify characteristics of professionalism and practice that meets high quality standards in the Afterschool and OST Communities they serve.

“The 2nd annual Diane Genco Award for Excellence in Out-of-School Time was awarded to Dr. Dawn Stokes-Tyler of East Orange Public Schools, Director of the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, The Path“

Conference sponsorships, like those received from the Public Consulting Group, the Diane Genco Award for Excellence in Out-of-School Time sponsor, and Mizzen Education, help NJSACC continue to provide innovative and high quality training, workshops and conferences.

“Our annual conference is central to our mission to empower New Jersey’s afterschool and out-of-school time professionals and expand the support for high-quality programs,” said Ebony D. Grace, NJSACC Chief Executive Officer. “ A professional development experience like no other, focusing on the unique needs of the over 40,000 youth impacted, served and represented at this conference and collaborating with our partners to provide sustainable resources in the work we do statewide to support school-age youth and families.”

NJSACC provides training, professional development, support, and networking opportunities for established and new providers through online learning, conferences, publications, and professional connections. NJSACC is a repository of evidence-based best practices. The annual conference is just one example of how NJSACC maintains a community of practice for the state’s afterschool and OST providers, as well as partnering schools and community programs.