Beacon School-Based Community Centers, New York, New York
The Beacon School-Based Community Centers are 37 school-based centers that offer resources and support to students and families in New York City. Under the program, school buildings are available for student and community use after school, on weekends, and during the summer. The goal of the program is to offer integrated services and activities for positive youth development and to develop a sense of community linked to the school and home.
Each Beacon Center is managed by a nonprofit community-based organization and has a community advisory board comprised of youth, parents, community residents, school staff, and staff from local service agencies. The school principal works closely with the managing organization and board to ensure smooth implementation and running of the center.
Various community agencies use school facilities to offer educational services, job training, parenting workshops, and counseling to families in need of such services. After-school programs for students consist of tutoring, athletic leagues, clubs, and computer classes. Cultural and recreational activities also are provided for students and their families.
For more information, refer to the section on the Beacon program in School-Community Partnerships (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 1997).
