Located in public schools across New York City (City) and operating year-round in non-school hours on weekdays, weekends and in the summer, each Beacon transforms its host school into a resource for the whole community by offering an integrated range of programming tailored to local needs. For all participants, especially youth, Beacons offer a safe place to engage in recreational activities, discover new interests, acquire skills, and find opportunities to contribute to the community, guided and supported by program staff.

The Beacons provide activities and services for school-age youth, families, and adults ages 22 years and older, including seniors. In keeping with the original concept, programs make special efforts to engage hard-to-recruit youth and young adults for whom participation in activities that foster positive youth development, social emotional learning (SEL) and leadership skills are especially beneficial.