This report presents findings from Phase 1 of an evaluation of the New York City Beacons initiative, a model of school-community-family partnerships initiated in 1991. Beacons are community centers located in public schools, offering a range of activities and services to participants of all ages, before and after school, in the evenings, and on weekends. Phase 1 involved analyzing the development and evolution of the Beacons initiative and investigating how the Beacon concept has been transformed into action at individual sites. It included two rounds of site visits to 39 Beacons, focus groups with parents, a participant survey, and brief intercept interviews with youth. The site visits included interviews with Beacon staff members, lead agency supervisors, and school principals. The citywide creators and administrators of the Beacons were also interviewed. Findings indicate that neighborhood schools are now open for long hours, offering a variety of activities and services to community residents. There is variation across the 39 Beacons. Most have strong or exemplary programs in one or two areas and acceptable implementation overall. A few have implemented programs that fully develop the Beacon concept potential, and a few are struggling to implement appropriate programs. Findings are discussed in terms of patterns of participation, youth development programs, academic support and enrichment activities, and parent and family involvement and support. (SM)