Collins Days Jr.

Collins Days Jr., originally from South Carolina, grew up on the Westside of Atlantic City where he attended Atlantic City Public Schools. Collins went on to attend Morris College, a HBCU in Sumter, South Carolina, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Health Science with a minor in Criminal Justice. After graduation, he knew he wanted to give back to the community that gave so much to him, leading him to move back to Atlantic City. In 2007, while working in the Atlantic City School District, Collins was accepted into the nursing program at Atlantic Cape Community College. However, his experience in education led him to find his calling: working with youth. Following his passion, Collins continued on to work for Pleasantville School District where he assisted disabled children and coached varsity football and basketball, joined the Covenant House staff working alongside youth experiencing homelessness, and was later hired as a corrections officer at Harbor Fields Detention Center where he mentored youth in the justice system. His time in each of these roles allowed him to recognize the connection between lack of resources in Black and Brown communities and delinquent behaviors. This inspired Collins to connect to underserved youth in a new, proactive way. In his current role of program coordinator, Collins aims to assist the youth of Atlantic City by providing them with the life skills, opportunities, and resources needed to enhance their futures. He continues to act as a mentor while enthusiastically building relationships with children and families.