Four of New Jersey’s Own Afterschool Leaders Recognized Nationally by the Afterschool Alliance and the National AfterSchool Association!

WESTFIELD, N.J.—Four Leaders across the state of New Jersey are recognized for the work they’ve done to grow and strengthen afterschool and expanded learning programs as the country’s education gap widens due to the pandemic.

“We are so thrilled that these afterschool leaders have been recognized,” said NJSACC Executive Director Diane Genco. “Darnell, Danielle, Gabriella and Tiffany lead afterschool programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and give families peace of mind that their children are safe, learning, and constructively engaged while parents are at work.  With the pandemic increasing the need for quality afterschool and summer learning programs so dramatically, we need strong advocates who have their fingers on the pulse of their communities.”

“We cannot say enough about our appreciation for the providers highlighted here who have demonstrated their immense dedication in caring for the holistic needs of New Jersey’s youth and families,” said Ebony Grace, NJSACC Chief Operating Officer and National Afterschool Association Board of Directors member. “According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), “SEL can help address various forms of inequity and empower young people and adults to co-create thriving schools and contribute to safe, healthy, and just communities. We need to work together through partnerships among schools, families, and afterschool to provide holistic programming that addresses the social and emotional needs and health of youth, as we all work to re-open schools and recover from the pandemic. It is more important than ever to keep at the forefront of our minds the importance of the mental health and well-being of our youth, families and staff.”

Why is it important to recognize Afterschool Professionals?

An estimated 10.2 million children participate in afterschool programs each year, and for every child in an afterschool program there are two more waiting to get in. Every young person deserves quality afterschool  and out-of-school time experiences that positively impact their development. It takes skilled professionals to create these experiences. Because of the important role afterschool professionals play in the lives of kids, they deserve recognition and support!

What is Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week?

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week is a time to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours. The week is marked by celebrations and public relations efforts encouraging appreciation and support for all the afterschool professionals who make a profound difference in the lives of young people.

Who is an Afterschool Professional?

Afterschool Professionals are skilled individuals who work with children and youth in diverse school and community-based settings to provide a wide variety of positive developmental relationships and experiences during out-of-school hours. Currently in the US, an estimated 850,000 individuals are practicing members of the afterschool profession.

Meet New Jersey’s Nationally recognized leaders below:

Darnell Scott, Director of Children’s Programs at the Jointure in Branchburg Township, has been selected to serve as an Afterschool Ambassador for the Afterschool Alliance in 2020-2021. He is one of just 18 leaders in the United States chosen for the honor this year. Afterschool Ambassadors continue their work at local afterschool programs while serving the one-year Afterschool Ambassador term, organizing public events, communicating with policy makers and community leaders, and in other ways increasing awareness and support for afterschool and summer learning programs.

Danielle Sargrad, Director and Health and Safety Ambassador at Champions in Lacey, believes that it is so important to recognize the talents of each and every child and help them grow by providing the encouragement, support and resources necessary to succeed. “I believe giving positive reinforcement is so important. During COVID, a lot of people are struggling with their mental wellbeing. If a child is feeling sad or having a hard day, I’ve made it my personal goal to ensure that each and every child in my program leaves with a smile on their face, laughed at least twice and received positive feedback. I have a special comfort table set up to have a private conversation and figure out how we can turn their day around.”

Gabriella St. Fleur, School Age Child Care and Summer Camp Director at the Metuchen YMCA in Metuchen, is happy to serve an organization which focuses on creating a safe space for children to learn and grow. “I strive daily to provide high quality programs for children ages 5-17 by incorporating STEM, Social Emotional Learning, leadership development and civic engagement which is extremely important for their growth. I see the impact of my work daily in the eyes of a parent when this “weight” of uncertainty in childcare is lifted off their shoulders and in the love of a child who says “I had the best day ever at the YMCA”.

Timothy Zoyac, Project Manager at Pathways 21st CCLC-Bridgeton Public Schools in Bridgeton, has used the pandemic as a learning and improvement ground for his program. “2020 has allowed me to step back and look at the strengths of my students and my staff and utilize them.” With an Arts focus, Tim exposes his students to multiple art forms in hopes they will learn a variety of ways to express themselves. Thus, falling in love with The Arts the way he did as a student in Bridgeton Public Schools.

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About NJSACC: The Statewide Network for New Jersey’s Afterschool Communities

NJSACC: The Statewide Network for New Jersey’s Afterschool Communities had its beginnings over 30 years ago as a grassroots coalition made up of stakeholders such as education, government, industry, not for profit, for profit, health and human services to improve the quality of the growing field of afterschool.

In 1993, NJSACC became incorporated as a not for profit organization. NJSACC is a founding member of the National Afterschool Association and currently serves as the state affiliate of NAA.

In 2007, NJSACC was selected to join the National Network of Statewide Afterschool Networks funded by the Charles S. Mott Foundation. For more information, visit www.njsacc.org

About the Afterschool Alliance

The Afterschool Alliance works to expand afterschool and summer opportunities wherever children live and learn, with respect for every child’s needs and identities–including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, ability, age, native language, and faith. To expand support for quality afterschool programs, the Afterschool Alliance works with agencies, elected officials, business, 50 state afterschool networks, community leaders, and program providers across the nation. We’re in touch with more than 25,000 afterschool program partners and our publications reach more than 65,000 interested individuals every month.

About the National Afterschool Association

The National AfterSchool Association is the voice of the afterschool profession. We are the national membership organization for professionals who work with and on behalf of children and youth during out-of-school time. NAA has State Affiliates across the United States. Our Affiliates are statewide organizations aligned with NAA’s mission to inspire, connect and equip afterschool professionals. Affiliate missions’ and strategies’ promote quality afterschool programs and professional development in their states. The strong and supportive relationships between NAA and its State Affiliates creates a national network that builds connectivity among stakeholders and creates opportunities for engagement that ensure vibrant future for our field.