The Gateways program, which enrolls 2,000 students, offers challenging educational opportunities for students who have mastered basic courses. Most classes focus on science and the arts, with topics that include stained glass design, how to get published, and fencing, in addition to physics, computer programming, and rocketry. A core group of teachers participates in Gateways every year to them, the program is a chance to work with highly motivated students and develop courses on topics not typically offered during the school year. Students see the program as a chance to experiment with academically challenging topics without fear, because they do not receive grades for the summer courses. Experts agree that while there are wide variations in staff salaries, hours, benefits, and qualifications, it has generally been true that where staff are paid reasonably and given benefits and other financial incentives, quality staffing is the result.
Programs have many options to meet costs.
Many charge minimal fees, which offset some costs but are kept low enough to make programs accessible to all families in the community, or use a sliding-fee scale based on income. Will operate in 240 schools, serving over 10,000 students. Programs are offered for all ages in nine Ankeny public schools and one community resource center. Seed Money Alabama's Community Education Program uses a combination of federal, state, and local funds to develop extended-day programs in public schools. Thirty-two systems received funds, with the vast majority being operated through the local community education program.