The Bright Lights Initiative (BLI) aims to foster high standards in literacy, cultural awareness and citizenship among school-aged children who attend Philadelphia area elementary schools. By creating an environment in which participating students become agents in their own learning, children become avid readers who are well-informed citizens and are eager to contribute to the larger concept of society.
The Bright Lights Pledge:
I will be bold,
I will be strong,
I will be courageous,
I will work for positive change,
I'll learn something new every day.
Forward ever backward never,
I will always be a Bright Light.
This pledge, an important focus for each Bright Light, is used in all ceremonies and all Bright Lights meetings. In addition, Bright Lights say the pledge each morning and frequently during the day especially when they are about to make decisions. The pledge is designed to give them the determination to make choices that result in positive change and improvement in society.
Students are nominated by their classroom teacher and affirmed by six other staff members to be inducted into the Bright Lights Society of Learners (Bright Lights) three times a year. Each student consistently and with intent follows the Bright Light principles:
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having a passion to learn, -
being an avid reader,
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helping others,
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sharing their knowledge with all,
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and valuing their history.
Students recognized as Bright Lights are determined to make a difference and to always value their African Heritage. Each fall a rededication ceremony honors the Bright Lights and publicly recognizes them as Bright Light Beacons. Beacons are students who have served at least one year as Bright Lights.
