While attending the after school program, youth participate in a mandatory one hour homework help session before moving on into various activities such as arts and crafts, chess, board games, dance, exercise, karate, music, computer lab, read-a-long, movie madness, sports, open recreation, cultural art, cooking, math and science clubs, etc. Structure is not the focus of the summer session, instead, we like to create a cool and enjoyable atmosphere. Water play and trips to various theme parks are highlights of the six weeks. Reading and math continue to be offered as part of the day’s activities at most sites and every site prepares their youth for a closing ceremony where they can show off a host of talents. In addition, the City encourages many of the older youth (teenagers) to participate in the "Teen Program" since many teens dislike the thought of going back to a grade school for activities. The Lighthouse Program offers activities throughout the year on weekends, evenings, vacation times and days off at various times and days off at various local non-profit centers. Teens can participate in game nights, educational workshops, volunteer work, bowling, all day movie madness trips, picnics, etc. Teen activities gather anywhere from 50 to 600 youth per event.

The Lighthouse Program began in January 1993 in an effort to provide youth with positive alternatives to crime, violence, drugs, pregnancy and therefore, prevent drop out statistics from increasing. At this time, the City was experiencing an alarming increase in the numbers of youth age 12 and under involved in serious crimes with the results being fatal for some of these youth. The Mayor, Superintendent, and several youth organizations around the City met in mid January to discuss these concerns and what could be done to help. Resources were scarce on all levels, but it was decided that programming was essential during the crucial after school hours. All partners around the table opened their doors and helped to fund the programs which began 2 weeks later.

Several measures are taken which enable the City and the Board of Education to see how effective the programs are. On a regular basis, attendance rates are kept and lists of those students attending the program 80% of the time are generated. In this manner, professional evaluations will focus on this group. A December, 1995 external evaluation measured the programs effectiveness by looking at the following data:

• Teachers’ perceptions of classroom performance.
• Students’ perceptions of programs and school in general.
• Attendance rates of Lighthouse students compared to non Lighthouse students.
• Per pupil costs to operate the program.
• Achievement of Lighthouse students on MAT.
• Site Coordinators comments.
• Principal comments.
• Analysis of sites overall.

The entire program is designed to encourage a positive school/community partnership. Every facet of the program was specifically developed to ensure the continuous input of the community. Citywide meetings about the program during its earlier years took place monthly to ensure its continued success. In addition, an advisory board representative of the community meets periodically and addresses policy issues. Day to day operations are handled through the City’s Youth Services Department. Response overall has been favorable with many community businesses and organizations stepping forward to help whenever possible.

6. What are the major lessons learned from the program?

• Before establishing an after school program, be sure to include not only high level officials and administrators that control the funding, but also be sure to include parents, students, service providers, teachers, principals, custodian union leaders and security union leaders. Be sure everyone at the initial meeting understands the concept and what his or her role will eventually be in ensuring the program is successful.
• List specific timelines and goals to be accomplished.
• Establish guidelines for service providers to operate programs that will ensure consistency across the board.
• Develop a generic registration form.
• Develop a standard contract.
• Be specific about the type of first aid coverage each site will have.
• Negotiate with unions as to what is expected of them and if this will mean additional compensation.
• Contract with a local food vendor for snacks.
• Set up consistent reporting forms for staff attendance, timesheets, student attendance, etc.
• Have background checks performed on all paid and volunteer staff.
• Work through initial obstacles one by one. After the first 2 years its gets easier .