“Lights ON” for Learning Community Learning Centers are special places where students and families continue on their path to lifelong learning. “Lights ON” CLC’s are made possible with federal dollars and by the partnerships forged among Rock Island County School Districts, the Regional Office of Education and wonderful, caring and generous community partners. There are eight “Lights ON” schools in the Illinois Quad Cities providing our children education opportunities beyond regular school hours. “Lights ON” began in 2002 with a federal grant and now many of the schools are continuing to educate students before and after school because of the good will created with their community partners.
“Lights ON” schools proudly display their bright yellow banners declaring them a school where community partners visit regularly, offering programs and services to students and families. The community partners’ commitment to helping students learn and grow is remarkable! At the heart of the “Lights ON” is a simple, two-fold idea: learning does not need to stop when the school bell rings at the end of the day; there are people in the community that want you to succeed in school and in life.
Research has found that students attending “Lights ON” programs make significant gains academically and socially. Parents of “Lights ON” students also benefit from the program as they demonstrate a greater sense of responsibility for their children’s learning success. CLCs enjoy strong parent-teacher relationships, increased teacher satisfaction, a more positive school environment and greater community support during and beyond regular school hours.