Lighthouse Program
Vision Statement: To provide a safe environment that complements school day learning and fosters intellectual, artistic, cultural, physical, social and emotional development of children by partnering with and supporting the efforts of family, school, and community. Children, youth, and adults will be provided opportunities to become independent lifetime learners as well as innovative, creative, and productive citizens.
Parents can download registration forms online, completed forms can be brought to the site coordinator at the school in which you want to register your child.
School Year Programing starts Monday August 31,2026 through Friday June 4, 2027.
The Lighthouse Program offers rolling enrollment, accepting applications throughout the school year, based on availability.
Lighthouse in the Community” (The Lighthouse Program) is an innovative school/community program sponsored by the City of Bridgeport through the Department of Health and Social Services Youth Services Division and the Bridgeport Board of Education. It receives local, state, and federal funding as well as parent fees to support program activities. There is a minimal fee for service, but no child is turned away based on ability to pay.
The Lighthouse Program brings together community sponsorship in Bridgeport schools to provide students with a safe and supportive environment after school, and during the summer. The Program provides educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities to Bridgeport’s students through a diversified approach to programming. It also includes athletic and recreational activities designed to motivate participants and provides comfort and support to family members, many of whom work in the crucial after school hours.
The Lighthouse Program operates at 23 school sites each with a Site Coordinator or co-Site Coordinator who work with school and community staff to provide the activities. There is also a BYC (Bridgeport Youth Club) program in most of the 23 sites which offers a unique program for students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Limited sites offer a before school program too. Each site is operated by a partner agency under contract with the City of Bridgeport. hosting agencies include the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders, Bridgeport Youth Lacrosse, Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program (GBAPP), Monitor My Health, Neighborhood Studios, and Wakeman’s Boys and Girls Club.
The specific after school activities provided at the various sites include, but are not limited to: homework assistance, computer instruction, board games, sports, karate, arts and crafts, swimming, drill team, math, science, reading activities, open recreation, health and nutrition courses, chess, sewing, cooking, theatre, art, music and gospel choir. Individual site activities vary so not all sites offer the example activities above.
Additionally, Young Savvy & Safe -Friday Night Live program is accessible at Bassick, Central & Harding from 6pm.-10pm. for students grades 9-12. Hosted by the Village Initiative Project
Although the program was initiated for different reasons, it is based upon the premise that the student population faces a variety of risk factors that must be addressed on a preventative basis. The concept of using extended school time to address these factors is a research-based proven practice, providing that educational, recreational and enrichment components are properly blended, supervised and implemented.
*** Made possible in part through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program and after school grants in partnership with the City of Bridgeport, Community Based Organizations, Parents, Private Donors and Bridgeport Public Schools.
Special thanks to our Bridgeport delegation as well as Senators Blumenthal & Murphy and Representative Himes for their continued support in securing 21st Century Community Learning Center Funding.
(Please go directly to the site of choice to register after 3:15p.m. M-F) ***Scholarships Available***
Volunteer opportunities exist at all sites. During the school year and in the summer. Youth ages 15 and older.
For more Volunteer information, please contact Michele Dias- Assistant Special Project Manager (Lighthouse Volunteer Coordinator) at: 203-576-7252 or email: michele.dias@bridgeportct.gov
Fall Learn Grow Play Activities Guide 2026-27