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In a review of literature and with input from the community, Building Bright Futures found that from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. youth are most likely to be engaged in risky behaviors. During this time period, youth are also more likely to perpetrate or become victims of crime, be in or cause an accident, smoke, drink, use drugs or encounter other negative life influences.
To meet the needs of the community, the Middle School Learning Center Initiative (MSLCI) was created. This is a collaborative effort between the mayor’s office, the Sherwood Foundation and Omaha Public Schools. The MSLCI focuses on building and maintaining quality, free after-school programs within designated school buildings. Youth development agencies, enrichment providers and teachers deliver quality programs to students at the school. These high-quality, after-school programs are directly tied to the school day curriculum and focus on recreation, academic enrichment, nutrition and cultural activities based on the needs of the participants and their communities.
Program Goals
Provide targeted middle school students with after-school opportunities
Building Bright Futures is in partnership with the MSLCI to support a comprehensive approach to after-school time that can be replicated in other middle schools. One of the program’s goals is to develop a system to incorporate after-school programs from PK-8th grade.
Develop committed relationships among community agencies and Omaha Public Schools for the benefit of students
Create an infrastructure to support both agencies and schools as they work to develop best practices for middle school after-school opportunities
MSLCI Sites
The seven Middle School Learning Center Initiative (MSLCI) sites, including their nonprofit community partner, are:
• King Science and Technology - Bethesda Urban Community Development Corp.
• Lewis and Clark Middle - Nothing But Net Foundation
• Marrs Magnet Middle - Camp Fire USA
• McMillan Magnet Middle - The Y
• Monroe Middle - Urban League of Nebraska
• Morton Magnet Middle - Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands
• Norris Middle - Camp Fire USA
Middle School Learning Center Initiative contacts
Megan Addison
MSLCI Co-coordinator
402-932-2025 x 1003
maddison@mslci.org
Bob Whitehouse
MSLCI Co-coordinator
402-932-2025 x 1001
bob.whitehouse@ops.org
Barb Farho
City of Omaha, Mayor’s Office
After School Initiatives Director
402-444-5151
bfarho@ci.omaha.ne.us
Cary Tobin
MSLCI Co-coordinator
402-932-2025 x 1004
ctobin@mslci.org
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