About
The SHINE Afterschool Program offers homework help along with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) lessons that use hands-on, experiential and project-based learning. Students take part in physical fitness, health and nutrition activities, and have access to Makerspace classrooms with both high-tech and no-tech materials, including zSpace Learning Experiences, NAO v5 Evolution Robots, 3D printers and drone kits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SHINE continued activities virtually using platforms like Google Classroom, Zoom and Class Dojo and delivered monthly “STEAM Bags” with materials for a variety of projects.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: SHINE operates Monday through Thursday for 3 hours after the regular school day
• Price: There is never any cost to attend SHINE; the program is free of charge for all students.
SHINE’s mission is to prepare students for success in their schools, homes and communities, and its philosophy is described as “Whatever It Takes” to develop the potential of every student. The program focuses on STEAM concepts when developing lesson plans, with activities that are innovative and experiential and emphasize high-priority occupations, and lessons that are directly connected to jobs and careers expected to be in high demand in the coming years. All activities are designed to build on lessons from students’ regular school day, and SHINE has developed programs for kindergarten, middle school and high school students.
Since its inception in 2005, SHINE has placed a focus on STEM initiatives, and in 2004 the Carbon Schuylkill Luzerne (CSL) STEM Ecosystem was formed with the SHINE Afterschool Program at its center. The SHINE Afterschool Program now maintains 12 centers throughout Carbon and Schuylkill Counties and has more than tripled the number of children served, encompassing seven public schools, one technical school and four parochial schools. SHINE has invested in educational space and cutting-edge technology so students can engage in hands-on lessons every day, and the program is described as a holistic approach to education that connects schools, homes and communities through a seamless network of educational and social services.
The SHINE Afterschool Program is administered by Lehigh Carbon Community College and is funded in full or in part by a Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grant, a federal USDE grant provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. AT&T is described as a partner in the CSL STEM Ecosystem, with a stated interest in job training, workforce needs and STEM workers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SHINE has been described as a consistent and trusted resource for students and families.
The SHINE program’s development can be traced to a plan initiated in Carbon County, Pennsylvania in 2002, with the first centers opening in three Carbon County school districts in 2005 and expansion into Schuylkill County in 2007 through the Mahanoy Area and Shenandoah Valley school districts. Rachel Strucko is the SHINE Director. One parent from Lehighton Area stated that SHINE’s support helped their daughter make it through virtual learning.
Last updated July 11, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: SHINE operates Monday through Thursday for 3 hours after the regular school day
• Price: There is never any cost to attend SHINE; the program is free of charge for all students.
SHINE’s mission is to prepare students for success in their schools, homes and communities, and its philosophy is described as “Whatever It Takes” to develop the potential of every student. The program focuses on STEAM concepts when developing lesson plans, with activities that are innovative and experiential and emphasize high-priority occupations, and lessons that are directly connected to jobs and careers expected to be in high demand in the coming years. All activities are designed to build on lessons from students’ regular school day, and SHINE has developed programs for kindergarten, middle school and high school students.
Since its inception in 2005, SHINE has placed a focus on STEM initiatives, and in 2004 the Carbon Schuylkill Luzerne (CSL) STEM Ecosystem was formed with the SHINE Afterschool Program at its center. The SHINE Afterschool Program now maintains 12 centers throughout Carbon and Schuylkill Counties and has more than tripled the number of children served, encompassing seven public schools, one technical school and four parochial schools. SHINE has invested in educational space and cutting-edge technology so students can engage in hands-on lessons every day, and the program is described as a holistic approach to education that connects schools, homes and communities through a seamless network of educational and social services.
The SHINE Afterschool Program is administered by Lehigh Carbon Community College and is funded in full or in part by a Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grant, a federal USDE grant provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. AT&T is described as a partner in the CSL STEM Ecosystem, with a stated interest in job training, workforce needs and STEM workers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SHINE has been described as a consistent and trusted resource for students and families.
The SHINE program’s development can be traced to a plan initiated in Carbon County, Pennsylvania in 2002, with the first centers opening in three Carbon County school districts in 2005 and expansion into Schuylkill County in 2007 through the Mahanoy Area and Shenandoah Valley school districts. Rachel Strucko is the SHINE Director. One parent from Lehighton Area stated that SHINE’s support helped their daughter make it through virtual learning.
Last updated July 11, 2026.
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