West Side High School transforms into a hang spot for teens on Friday night. The goal? To provide a safe space for the students.
West Side High School Friday night program
The high school in Newark stays open for students with the ‘Lights On’ program where kids can shoot pool, play video games and basketball, and even get creative in a recording studio. The school also provides a hot meal.
Students say the program keeps them safe and out of trouble, and their principal agrees.
“Anything that keeps me off the streets, I’ll do. Besides, selling drugs and stuff, I’m not into that,” one student says.
“I haven’t lost any more kids to gun violence since the start of the school year,” Akbar Cook, Principal.
The ‘Lights On’ program is also held three nights every week during the summer. It’s funded by donations from the community and alumni.
The initiative was created by a former student who feels the program could have saved lives when he was in school.
A free laundry room was installed at the school last year which increased daily attendance by 10-percent.
