Summer Learning Adventures for Elementary and Middle School Students
MISSION STATEMENT
Bright Lights is a nonprofit organization
that takes learning beyond the classroom by providing youth
with unique, motivating, hands-on learning opportunities.
Since 1987, Bright Lights has provided a strong, summer enrichment program that complements summer athletic activities by providing interesting, stimulating, hands-on, minds-on learning. Bright Lights' goal is to promote the habit of life-long learning while having fun and making friends. Bright Lights meets a void in the community for strong summer educational enrichment. Bright Lights does not receive any United Way funding or state aid.
In the week-long, half-day, focused learning experience, both students and the teacher are engaged in a specific topic, such as "Mummies" or "Digital Filmmaking." A student's confidence builds when s/he can focus with mentors who love a subject and often times leads to a life-long interest. Parents report that their child is so excited about a class that they speak animatedly about it during dinner, or they study a problem on their own initiative for the next day. This focused approach is a sure-fire formula for success.
While the actual classes last only one intense week, the interest often continues, aided by a list of extended learning activities provided by the teacher at the Friday Open House. This helps the family continue where the class ended. For one child, a week of a magic class sparked an interest for both he and his father so that they presented four or five magic shows a year. For another family, a chess class led to nightly games before bed. Over the years, many students in the Laura Ingalls Wilder class have made the trip to DeSmet, S.D., to see historical references to her life. The Bright Lights learning goes beyond the classroom to be part of a student's or family's life. Watch your Bright Lights student develop their interest into a fun and exciting pursuit that leads to life-long learning!
As a locally run organization, Bright Lights is always open to ideas from community members for new class topics or recommended teachers.
This program is one of many that make Lincoln a great place to live, and can be a recruitment tool for local employers.
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