The first ten New York City Beacons began operation in 1991 as a result of the recommendation of a commission appointed by then-mayor David N. Dinkins. Richard Murphy, commissioner of youth services, led the development and implementation. Michele Cahill served as a consultant in the design and created the Youth Development Institute (YDI) as part of the Fund for the City of New York, to continue support for the Beacons, as well as other youth development projects. There are currently eighty Beacons in New York City. Based in local schools (primarily middle schools), the Beacons are operated by fifty-seven community-based organizations and serve 140,000 young people and families. Programs include after-school and evening activities such as homework and tutorial assistance; literacy programs and preventive services; General Educational Development, English as a Second Language, and computer courses, and recreational and cultural activities such as basketball leagues, arts and crafts, theater, and dance. Services are tailored by local organizations working with advisory panels to meet the needs of each community in which Beacons are located. Young people serve on these councils and have a major role in advising and working in programs. (Contains 5 notes.)