Fair showcased information and funding opportunities for afterschool programs; sponsored by Newark Public Schools, NJSACC: The Statewide Network for New Jersey’s Afterschool Communities, Afterschool Alliance, Newark Thrives! and Newark Arts Education Roundtable
[Newark, NJ – April 06, 2017] On Wednesday, March 29, 150 afterschool stakeholders and advocates came together at the 2017 Afterschool Fair at the Prudential Center in Newark. Vendors and community-based organizations provided information about resources and funding opportunities that are available in the community for afterschool programs.
“Afterschool programs give our children access to enriching activities that keep our students safe and help them develop a life-long passion for learning,” said Christopher D. Cerf, Superintendent of Newark Public Schools (NPS). “Newark Public Schools is committed to working with afterschool advocates and providers to enhance the services we provide and educate families about the resources that are available to them. We will also collaborate with community members to identify funding opportunities that enable us to continue offering positive afterschool programs that promote academic and personal growth.”
Over 11 million children in the United States are alone and unsupervised after school. Afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working families and inspire learning. The stakeholders who attended Wednesday’s fair represented over 10,000 participating in afterschool activities across New Jersey.
“Afterschool programs provide our students a positive learning environment that gives them the tools they need to develop into successful adults,” said Sarah Cruz, Special Assistant of Expanded Learning Time of NPS. “Newark Public Schools offers a wide-variety of afterschool learning opportunities, and this fair was a great way to showcase the important work we are doing with Newark families.”
The fair was sponsored by NPS, NJSACC: The Statewide Network for New Jersey’s Afterschool Communities, Afterschool Alliance, Newark Thrives! and Newark Arts Education Roundtable.
Over 7,300 students throughout the district participate in the Office of Expanded Learning Time’s afterschool activities. Parents who are interested in enrolling their children in afterschool activities can www.nps.k12.nj.us/elt or call 973-412-1910 for more information.