What is SHINE?
SHINE is a STEAM project-based after school program for 1st through 8th grades though this varies by district. If you have questions regarding the schools or grades served in your district, please contact the SHINE office. 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 Candidate:: 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
Elementary Program
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.
Middle School Program
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.
High School Mentoring Program
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!