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Students & Registration:
What is Bright Lights?
For over twenty years, Bright Lights, Inc. -- a nonprofit organization unique to Lincoln, NE -- has offered summer learning adventures to elementary and middle school students based on the motto, "Hands on, Minds on!" The program is for students interested in fun, new learning adventures.
Where is the program held?
Bright Lights rents a Lincoln Public Schools building for the main program site where about 75% of the classes are held. The remaining classes are held at community classroom sites. Summer ’08 will be at Randolph Elementary School, 1024 S. 37th Street.
Who does Bright Lights serve?
Classes are offered for students in post-K through post-9th grade. Post-K through post-9th means the grade the student is in on May 1st of the year the Bright Lights class is taken.
When is it held?
Bright Lights holds six sessions during three weeks in June and July. For 2008, weekly sessions will be held June 9-13, June 23-27 and July 7-11.
What is the program format?
Classes are week-long, half-days from either 9 am - noon OR 1 - 4 pm. Four or five day camps with a career emphasis are offered from 9 am - 4 pm. Other camps may be available to younger students.
When and how do I get a copy of the class schedule?
The class schedule is available annually by April 1 on this web site under Class Schedule; a printed brochure is available in the Lincoln Public Schools April "Free Times"; or by calling our office at 402/420-1115 x43.
How many students are in a Bright Lights class?
Primary classes average 15 students, while intermediate and middle-school classes average 18. With one teacher and two assistants, each class has a staff to student ratio of 1:5 or 1:6.
Is Bright Lights a program for identified gifted students only?
No. Bright Lights emphasizes talent and focused interests. We believe it is important to teach children with their same-aged peers, regardless of ability.
Can I register a child not from Nebraska?
Bright Lights has no residency requirements.
What is the tuition cost?
Class tuition is $95 for a week-long, half-day class. Week-long day camp tuition is $190. Some classes have an additional class fee.
What are class fees?
Class fees cover special or additional items needed for that particular class, i.e., bus fee, material fee.
How can I register?
Registrations are taken only by post mail, first-come, first-served.
When does registration begin?
Registration begins annually April 1.
How do I pay for classes?
Payments are made when registering, by check or money order. Credit card payment is not available.
How will I know if my child is registered?
Class and camp confirmations will be mailed about June 2.
What if we register for a class and it becomes full before our registration is processed?
Including an alternate class choice on the registration form will speed your enrollment if your first choice is full. You will be notified when your registration is processed if placed in an alternate choice.
What is Bright Lights refund policy?
See our refund policy.
What if I need financial aid to attend?
Financial aid is offered based on need, limit one scholarship or camp per person. To apply for financial aid, download the scholarship form from the Summer Program section or call us at 402/420-1115 x 48. The form is also included in the printed brochure.
Is all-day care available?
Yes, Before Care and Lunch Care are available to offer care from 7:30 am to 4 pm.
Before Care, from 7:30-9 am, is offered at the main program site only. Register when you sign up for class(es). The cost is $15 for the week.
Lunch hour supervision is available for $10 a week. Students bring their own sack lunch. Students can create their own "designer day camp" by signing up for a morning and afternoon class at the main site and supervised lunch hour care.
Is transportation available to Bright Lights classes?
Yes. Limited free buses are available to/from the main program site from six to seven select Lincoln Public Elementary Schools. Any student may register to ride the free bus. Check the bus transportation schedule to make sure transportation is available for the week you are enrolling. A permission slip must be signed and mailed to Bright Lights.
What kind of medical support is available at Bright Lights?
See our medical policy. A health tech is on staff when classes are in session at the main site.
Teachers, Classroom Assistants, Volunteers & Donors:
Who are Bright Lights teachers?
About 50% of Bright Lights teachers have a Lincoln Public Schools background. The remaining come from other school districts, universities, or the community. Each has a proven record working with children and a focused curriculum that fits the program. Contact Barb Hoppe by clicking “Contact Us” above if interested in teaching a summer class. Classes for primary students are often needed and those teachers are in high demand. Teachers are paid and background checks are utilized.
What if I want to assist in a class?
Classroom assistants are volunteers. Applications are taken annually online from February 15 through approximately March 5. Assistants are students who will complete 8th grade during the current school year through college-aged students and adults. See classroom assistant application. Background checks are done on volunteers 19 years and older.
Can I be an office volunteer during the school year?
Volunteers are needed in our office during the school year to help with photo copying, data input, preparing mailings, special projects and general office duties. Complete the volunteer application. Classroom assistants can be summer office volunteers as well.
How do I donate to Bright Lights?
Bright Lights is a non-profit with 501(c)(3) status. Our federal ID number is #47-0708499. Bright Lights is not supported by tax dollars or the United Way. To make a donation, see our tiered giving page.
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