All Stars Project (ASP) of New Jersey awarded Leadership Grant from PSEG Foundation

All Stars Project, Inc., a national, privately funded, nonprofit organization was awarded a $135,000 grant from the PSEG Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Newark-based Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG).

PSEG has a long-standing relationship with the ASP, providing over $1.6 million in financial support over the years.

In partnership with ASP’s Development School for Youth, PSEG has sponsored 86 paid summer internships and hosted dozens of professional development workshops, activities and events for youth in Newark and Jersey City.

PSEG leadership and employees have contributed thousands of volunteer hours as coaches, workshop leaders, intern supervisors, board and trustee members and more. In addition, the grant supports Operation Conversation: Cops & Kids, an innovative police–community relations program proven to improve police and youth relations, resulting in safer communities.

“We are honored by this grant from the PSEG Foundation, in recognition of our work to support youth development in New Jersey and beyond,” Shadae McDaniel, vice president/ director of ASP of NJ and director of Strategic Initiatives said. “Through philanthropy and partnership, donors like the PSEG Foundation make a tremendous positive impact by supporting our bridge-building work, which connects diverse individuals through shared experiences while providing workforce development training and educational opportunities to youth.”

“We’re committed to this strategic partnership with ASP, as their work changes lives and helps create ripple effects throughout our communities,” Calvin Ledford, PSEG Foundation president and Corporate Social Responsibility director said. “This work has profound impacts not only on our young people but also on the volunteers who work with them and we’re certainly proud of the outcomes.”

In collaboration with university researchers, ASP has identified and validated eight dimensions of development that, when strengthened, help youth to overcome barriers, meet challenges and make the most of opportunities. They pertain to relating to others, navigating professional settings and engaging with the world, and are incorporated into ASP’s approach to development through performance. They are at the core of ASP’s high-impact methodology supporting youth across the country.