NJ's Largest Statewide Afterschool & Out-Of-School Time Conference Celebrates 33 Years of Service

WESTFIELD, NJ — April 13, 2026 — NJSACC, the nonprofit organization serving New Jersey’s afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) professional network, is celebrating its 33rd year of service to afterschool and OST professionals as it prepares to present its inspiring annual conference. The conference will take place on April 17th and 18th, at the Marriott Princeton at Forrestal in Princeton, NJ.

This year’s conference will include over 45 workshops addressing essential afterschool topics including administration, safety and environmental health, indoor and outdoor environment, programming and activities, human relationships, indoor and outdoor environment, and enrichment topics such as job quality standards, SEL, STEM and STEAM activities, and more.

This year’s keynote address by Samuel Frisby of the YMCA of the USA, will provide inspiring motivation to kick off the conference. Year-round sponsorships, which help NJSACC continue to provide innovative and high-quality training opportunities, workshops, and conferences, are now available, along with Showcase Alley, the conference’s exhibitor space open on the first day. Showcase Alley offers companies providing enrichment products a rewarding opportunity to interact with program directors, school district leaders, and direct service staff who have the purchasing power for their youth-serving organizations.

The annual conference is just one way that NJSACC maintains a community of practice for the state’s afterschool and OST providers, schools, and community programs. 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, and the annual conference is one of its extensive training options.

"The NJSACC annual conference is paramount in our mission to support and empower New Jersey’s afterschool and out-of-school time professionals and expand the support for high-quality programs," said Ebony D. Grace, NJSACC’s Chief Executive Officer. "The timing of this year’s conference is very fitting as it occurs right before Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week. There’s no better time to participate in meaningful opportunities to learn, network with colleagues, connect with vendors and exhibitors, and celebrate our strengths!"

In that spirit, NJSACC will also be celebrating Deidre Johnson, Tinishia Bass, and Senator M. Teresa Ruiz. Deidre Johnson, Director of Youth Services for 21st CCLC at Ironbound Community Corporation in Newark, has been selected as one of the National Afterschool Association’s 2026 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders. Tinishia Bass, Senior Program Administrator and Project Director for 21st CCLC at RU IGNITE in Camden, is the 2026 recipient of the Diane Genco Excellence in Out-of-School Time Award. Senate Majority Leader, Senator M. Teresa Ruiz, is the 2026 recipient of the NJSACC Afterschool Advocacy Award for her leadership and dedication to advance policies and legislation that benefit afterschool and summer programs.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.njsacc.org/conferences/

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ABOUT NJSACC

NJSACC, New Jersey’s Afterschool and Out-of-School Time (OST) Professional Network, believes that every child needs access to high-quality, inclusive, equitable programs where they can learn and develop critical skills to ensure bright and successful futures. NJSACC provides afterschool and OST providers with quality coaching and technical assistance, professional development, and resources that nurture our youth and build essential connections with families, schools, and communities.

NJSACC’s NJ Quality Standards for Afterschool provide proven, evidence-based guidance to distinguish those programs whose approach will lead to the desired outcomes. As the voice of New Jersey’s afterschool and youth development professionals, NJSACC advocates at the state and federal level to address the critical shortage of resources for afterschool and OST programs. For more information and to be added to the NJSACC mailing list, visit https://www.njsacc.org/ or email sac@njsacc.org.