What is SHINE?
SHINE is a STEAM project-based after school program for grades pre-k to 12 in six school districts throughout Luzerne County. The program runs from mid-September to May, Monday-Thursday, for approximately three hours per night. Students are provided with 25 minutes of homework assistance, a hot meal, and participate in 1.5-2 hours of a STEAM based project. Depending on the center’s location, students have the option of being transported to a bus stop near their home or can be picked up by an authorized adult at the center.
Each center is staffed with a minimum of three PA certified teachers and two teaching assistants. Students are referred into the program by their teachers and/or guidance counselors (see below for referral guidelines). It is a goal for students enrolled in the program to increase their academic skills, encourage interest in STEM based careers, improve attendance, and decrease negative behaviors. It is a goal for the student’s family to create a family educational plan, attend parent programs and family nights, volunteer in activities, participate in reading and computer literacy programs, college planning, workforce training, or career awareness courses.
Ideal Candidates: SHINE may be a beneficial program for students who are struggling with their academics, need additional support in STEAM subjects, and show a genuine interest in STEAM, regardless of economic background.
Types of Programs
At Home Academic Readiness Sessions (Pre-K & Kindergarten)
This program provides Pre-K and Kindergarten students with in home tutoring visits three to four times per month to help prepare them academically and socially for Kindergarten and 1st grade. The program serves students from the aforementioned schools/districts. The Home Visitor will work with children on pre-academic goals and social skills needed for kindergarten along with hands-on STEAM based projects that will help to ease the transition into the next level of the SHINE program. This program not only supports the child, it also encourages parental involvement in their child’s educational development, and offers creative strategies that allow the parents to better assist their children academically. In addition, the in home academic readiness session program works with parents to create a Family Educational Plan that connects them with family literacy programs, computer training, Career Link, GED, ESL and college opportunities.
Middle School Program (5-8th grade)
SHINE middle school programs operate at area Career & Technical Centers and serve students in 5th-8th grade from the aforementioned schools/districts. Students are exposed to careers of the future and real world applications of their academic skills through access to state of the art labs and technical areas. One of the main goals of the middle school program is to nurture excitement in STEAM fields where 80% of future careers will be. Students will participate in STEAM activities such as robotics, 3D printing, GIS mapping, electrical circuitry, computer programming, carpentry, entrepreneurship, physics, environmental sustainability, architecture, and philanthropy. Middle school students must attend SHINE at least two days/week.
Elementary Program (1-4th grade)
SHINE elementary centers provide STEAM project based learning for students in grade 1-4 from the aforementioned schools/districts. Students in the elementary program are engaged with age-appropriate STEAM projects in areas such as robotics, 3D printing, creative writing, general science, meteorology, career exploration, and art. It is mandatory for elementary students to attend the program four days/week.
High School Mentoring Program (9-12th grade)
High school students in grades 9-12 can participate in the SHINE program as high school mentors. The students will take on a greater amount of responsibility at SHINE where they may assist SHINE teachers with homework or projects and will be a role model to the younger SHINE students. High school students do not have to be regular attendees and can volunteer their time at any of the SHINE elementary or middle school centers. SHINE staff encourages clubs, groups, or individuals in need of community service hours to enroll!