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History
Bright Lights began in 1987 by two moms, Barbara Hoppe and Jan Dutton, wanting summer mental Olympics for their small children as they began to see budget cuts in the public school summer program. The concept grew from a graduate school project, leaped onto the kitchen table and took flight three months later. Both women equally funded the first year's operation. They contacted and hired teachers with reputations both in subject area expertise and with a strong ability to work with students in hands-on learning. The first year, Lincoln Public School's non-air-conditioned Hawthorne School was rented and 281 students enrolled in 28 classes.
The second year, a board of directors was formed and the Articles of Incorporation and the organization's By-Laws were adopted. This allowed Bright Lights to apply and receive federal non-profit 501(c)(3) status and the opportunity for the organization to enter into the fundraising arena. Bright Lights continues its working relationship with Lincoln Public Schools by renting an air-conditioned elementary school building for the summer classes. The program has expanded to use specialized labs and classrooms in middle school and high school buildings for some classes. The addition of community site locations to enhance learning and emphasize career awareness has allowed the program to expand class offerings.
In the third year, the program moved to rented office space. Need-based scholarships were added. Additional services to families now include Before Care, Lunch Care, and free bus transportation from six to seven select Lincoln Public Elementary Schools.
Currently, the executive director and the education director/fundraiser have 41 years of combined service to the Bright Lights organization.
Both the number of students enrolled and the number of classes offered has increased significantly. In 1988, 474 students enrolled in 34 classes. In recent years, enrollment figures show 1,300 students enrolled with more than 1,800 registrations in 105 classes and five-day camps.
The financial support has grown to a broad base of support. Tuition provides approximately half of the program's revenue. The remaining funding comes from foundations, businesses, community service groups, families, and individuals. In early years, four foundations supported the tuition income. In comparison, 21 foundations ($250 to $20,000 each), 78 businesses ($75 to $1,500 each) and about 50 individual families contributed between $5 and $2,000.
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