New Jersey School-Age Care Coalition
Transforming afterschool programs into engines of family empowerment through the FACE Institute.
About the Client
NJSACC is the state's network for afterschool and out-of-school-time programs. They support children, youth, and families through professional development, technical assistance, and advocacy for quality afterschool programming across New Jersey.
The Challenge
As an intermediary for dozens of 21st Century Community Learning Centers, NJSACC wanted to deepen family and community engagement across their network.
The twofold challenge:
- Move from compliance-driven engagement to relationship-centered practice
- Develop a consistent, replicable model that sites could adapt to their local context
Our Strategy
We designed and delivered the FACE Institute (Family and Community Engagement) to transform how afterschool programs partner with families.
Training and Knowledge Building
Four structured sessions covering family engagement, fatherhood programming, community partners, and family assets.
Coaching and Application
Personalized coaching to help sites translate learning into practical, sustainable engagement practices.
Assessment and Reflection
Self-assessment processes that allowed each site to capture lessons learned and identify growth areas.
Sustainability and Evaluation
Pre/post evaluation framework to support ongoing implementation and measure long-term impact.
The FACE Institute
A series of four two-hour interactive training sessions for 10 participating 21st CCLC sites, with individualized coaching and support.
Training Sessions
Four interactive two-hour sessions on engagement practices
Self-Assessments
Individualized assessments for strengths and growth areas
Engagement Plans
Co-created plans tailored to local community needs
Site Coaching
Follow-up site visits and personalized coaching sessions
Results & Impact
The FACE Institute transformed how participating sites approach family and community engagement.
Actionable
Family and Community Engagement Plans developed
Enhanced
Staff confidence in building authentic partnerships
Strengthened
Collaboration among staff, parents, and community
Sustainable
Practices embedded in afterschool ecosystem
The Institute helped us move from one-time family events to ongoing relationships. We're engaging families as partners, not just participants.
NJSACC Program Leadership
Key Insights
This engagement reflects our commitment to advancing equity and capacity in education. The FACE Institute shows how strategic training transforms afterschool programs into engines of family empowerment.
Sustainable engagement requires structure, reflection, and leadership buy-in.
Programs benefit most when training is paired with individualized coaching.
Family engagement thrives when it reflects community context, culture, and assets.