The Island school is about to become a "beacon" school. The program, announced by City Councilmember Gifford Miller, will provide up to $433,000 for an array of youth development programs. Funds became available after negotiations between City Council and the Giuliani administration on the City budget.

Beacon Schools are intended to provide safe havens for youth, and are focused on prevention of substance abuse. Programs target kids at risk of drug and alcohol use, providing a broad range of services such as homework and tutorial assistance, reading labs, and recreational activities.

"Beacons have proven extremely effective at empowering communities to provide the best education and substance abuse prevention services for our kids," Miller said. He thanked Peter Vallone, crediting the City Council Speaker as a strong advocate for Roosevelt Island's designation for a full Beacon program.