Community of Christians Helping Youth (CCHY), an educational program for disadvantaged children, has enrolled 32 students for its fall session, Executive Director Roy Acker said during a presentation to members of the the Rotary Club of Picayune on Tuesday.
The program offers transportation, after-school homework help and guidance from 5 to 7 p.m. during the school year and from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. during the summer, at no cost to parents.
“All we ask parents for is to help with the snacks,” Acker said.
CCHY, which was founded in 1993 by Picayune citizens concerned about the effects of drugs and crime on children, has had multiple homes over the years. It’s now located at 120 Street A, Suite C, in the Industrial Park.
Millicent Baker, the program director at CCHY, said the after-school program groups students into five classes: first- and second-graders, third- and fourth-graders, fifth- and sixth-graders, seventh-graders and up, and students who need specialized tutoring in reading. The program can “fit 46 comfortably” as more students enroll during the school year.
The curriculum is centered around so-called STEAM classes, Baker said: science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, with some specific projects involving computer coding, robotics and engineering. There are lessons in nutrition and fitness, too.
The adoption of the STEAM curriculum came “about four years ago” with the encouragement of NASA, he said.
“We want them to know that they can be scientists,” Acker said.
He noted that the program welcomes volunteers and professionals who would be willing to talk to students about their careers.
CCHY survives on grants from foundations and donations from local businesses, and said more money would allow it to serve more children.
“I think we’ve been good stewards of our resources,” Acker said.