Affiliate Structure
Fully developed Horizons programs serve students K-8 and maintain a relationship with each graduate throughout the secondary years. However, programs usually start small and build over time. Typically, a program starts with one Kindergarten class, adding a new one as students advance to the next grade each summer, gradually building to a K-8 program. This also allows the local Board to grow staffing and self-sustaining fundraising practices at a similar rate.
Budget and Space Requirements A typical first year budget for one grade level Horizons summer program would be in the range of $25,000 to $30,000. Space requirements are minimal: one or two classrooms and a cafeteria if available. Approximately 10 years later, a fully subscribed K-8 program would have a budget ranging from about $250,000 to $300,000 and will be serving over 110 children.
Memorandum of Understanding Each Affiliate signs an MOU with Horizons National, entitling the Affiliate to use the Horizons name and logo in connection with implementation of their program and to benefit from affiliation with the National organization.
While each Affiliate is reflective of its own community and is encouraged to identify its own objectives, the following are considered essential elements for a Horizons program:
501(c)(3) Designation In order to preserve the relationship between the Horizons program and the private host school, Horizons Affiliates operate under the 501(c)(3) designation of the host school unless otherwise authorized by Horizons National.
Management Each Horizons Affiliate must have, at a minimum, an Executive Director and Board of Directors (or Advisory Board). As the Affiliate program grows, it is recommended that program directors be employed for the summer session, and additional year-round staff as needed.
Board of Directors/Advisory Board The program’s Board should include the Head of School (or his/her representative), a member of the Board of Trustees of the host school, at least one Horizons parent representative, and a delegate from one or more of the public schools associated with the program as well as sufficient numbers to advise and secure necessary funding resources.
Parent Council In order to ensure communication and a connection between Horizons parents and the program, a parent council is often created to meet regularly throughout the year.
Funding To ensure the long-term stability of the program, each Affiliate establishes its own diverse source of funds including individual, corporate, and foundation support. Whenever possible, additional funding including initial “seed money” will be passed through from the National office to individual programs.
Participation Requirements Each Horizons Affiliate is required to participate with the National organization through the following:
- Attendance at National meetings and conferences
- Financial, organizational, and demographic reporting as requested by the National office
- Cooperation with representatives of the National office in yearly summer review visits
- Participation in program evaluation
Participation Benefits The Horizons National office provides Affiliates:
- Seed money for the first three years of the program
- Pass-through grants
- Guidance in Board management, fundraising, operations, and long-range planning
- Teacher training
- Evaluation materials and summary reports
- Website management and periodic newsletter
- On-line curriculum database
- Professional development and network opportunities for program Directors
- National exposure and a demonstrated history of success
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