"Lighthouses in the Community" (The Lighthouse Program) is an innovative school/community program sponsored by the City of Bridgeport, the Mayor, the School Department and the Department of Youth Services. It receives local, state and federal funding.

The Lighthouse Program brings together community sponsorship in Bridgeport schools to provide students with a safe and supportive environment after school, and during the summer. The Program provides educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities to Bridgeport’s students through a diversified approach to programming. It also includes athletic and recreational activities designed to motivate participants.

The Lighthouse Program operates at 24 school sites each with a site coordinator or co-site coordinator(s) who work with school and community staff to provide the activities. Each site is operated by a partner agency under contract with the City of Bridgeport. Sponsoring agencies include the YMCA, ABCD, Ralphola Taylor Center, Discovery Museum, Bridgeport Housing Authority, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Sacred Heart University, Primera Iglesia Bautista Español, and the Kennedy Center.

The specific after school activities provided at the various sites include, but are not limited to: homework assistance, SES tutoring, computer instruction, board games, basketball, karate, arts and crafts, swimming, drill team, math, science, reading activities, thematic units, open recreation, special education, volleyball, health and nutrition courses, math clubs, magic games, young authors, tennis instruction, sewing, cooking, theatre, ballroom dancing, art, music and steel drums.

The Lighthouse Program is designed to blend community and school visions in a unique approach to give Bridgeport’s youth an opportunity to learn, relax and interact with peers and significant adults in a safe and supervised school environment. Additionally, it provides comfort and support to family members, many of whom work in the crucial after school hours of 3:00 – 6:00.

Although the program was initiated for different reasons, it is based upon the premise that the student population faces a variety of risk factors that must be addressed on a preventative basis. The concept of using extended school time to address these factors is a research-based proven practice, providing that educational, recreational and enrichment components are properly blended, supervised and implemented.

For our older student population, if funded and during the summer months, we offer a training and employment program that is designed to give high school youth an opportunity to explore various job opportunities.

Schedules: General schedule after school August 31, 2009 through May 28, 2010 (3:00 to 5:30pm):

• 15/20 minutes of a Nutritious Snack
• 40 minutes of Homework Assistance
40 minutes of Enrichment
• 40 minutes of Extra Curricular Activities

• The cost for the after school program varies based on household income. (Limited scholarships available)
• There is a late pickup option for an additional 1/2 hour until 6:00pm for $2.00 per day regardless of scholarship status. Late fees will apply if children are not registered in advance for this option.
• CHILDREN NOT PICKED UP ON TIME WILL BE CHARGED A $5.00 LATE FEE. THIS FEE WILL INCREASE BY $5.00 FOR EVERY 15 MINUTES PAS THE STANDARD PICK UP TIME.

General schedule summer program July 1, 2010 through August 6, 2010: (tentatively scheduled) 20/30 minutes of a Nutritional Breakfast 2 hours of Summer Reading Success or Math Curriculum 20/30 minutes of a Nutritional Breakfast 2 hours of Summer Reading Success or Math Curriculum 1 Hour Nutritional Lunch and Recess Last 4.5 hours Extra Curricular Activities that may include music, arts, sports, computers and trips.

The cost for the summer program is based on household income. (Limited scholarships available)

During the Summer Program only, parents may choose any early drop-off and late pick-up option, where they will be able to drop their child off at 8:30am and pick up their child at 5:30pm for an additional fee of $5.00 a day regardless of scholarship status. Therefore, for the week, parents would pay an additional $25.00 per week per child.

Other Components: Teen Training and Employment Based on available funds and generally offered in the summer. Youth are trained in areas related to job readiness skills, working with younger children, preparing resumes, conflict resolution and team building strategies.

As funding permits, the Lighthouse Program partners with the following organizations:

• BallroomDancing
• Bridgeport Board of Education Parent Center
• Discovery Museum
• DJA Chess Program
• Future Stars Basketball
• Kennedy Center
• Maritime Center
• Music and Arts Partnership
• Obey Foundation