Beacon Youth

Located in public schools across New York City (City) and operating year-round in non-school hours on weekdays, weekends and in the summer, each Beacon transforms its host school into a resource for the whole community by offering an integrated range of programming tailored to local needs. For all participants, especially youth, Beacons offer a safe place to engage in recreational activities, discover new interests, acquire skills, and find opportunities to contribute to the community, guided and supported by program staff. 

The Beacons provide activities and services for school-age youth, families, and adults ages 22 years and older, including seniors. In keeping with the original concept, programs make special efforts to engage hard-to-recruit youth and young adults for whom participation in activities that foster positive youth development, social emotional learning (SEL) and leadership skills are especially beneficial.

Typical programs are intended to build:

• Academic Enhancement: Activities designed to help with school, including tutoring, homework help, reading clubs, and financial literacy
• Life Skills: Activities designed to increase personal responsibility, self-esteem, and confidence.
• Career Awareness/School to Work Transition: Activities designed to educate young people on career opportunities and assist with the transition to work or higher education. Activities include career exploration workshops, work readiness opportunities, help transitioning from middle school to high school and from high school to college/vocational programs.
• Civic Engagement/Community Building: Activities designed to strengthen leadership skills, community awareness, and civic responsibility.
• Recreation/Health & Fitness: Activities designed to promote healthy lifestyles such as cooking programs and organized sports.
• Culture/Art: Activities designed to provide students with opportunities to express themselves through music, dance, photography, and drama.

Enrollment Dates

• Enrollment is ongoing throughout the year

Program Requirements

• Ages 5—21