Three years ago, members of the Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource department invited a handful of middle school students to be part of an after-school program. Funding from an anonymous donor supported the project that offered tutoring, homework assistance and activities, as well as relationships with community mentors.
Since then, the program has drawn the support of the Acworth Housing Authority, the Cobb County school system, corporate donors and, most recently, the Atlanta Hawks. It’s evolved into the Acworth Achievers, a program serving 25 to 30 students who meet twice a week after school in a newly-refurbished corner of the Roberts Community School in the city’s downtown.
Thanks to support from the Hawks, the Achievers now meet in two spacious rooms, brightly decorated with the team’s colors and photos. One area houses a flat screen TV, bean bags, a ping pong table and sofas; the other has a bank of computers and tables for homework. The financial support has also allowed the group to hire a paid tutor to work one-on-one with students.
“A place that used to be just for homework has become a safe, caring environment where kids can go after school,” said Frank White, the city’s recreation coordinator. “Even though we started by inviting students, we don’t turn any kid away. If the students who come have little brothers or sisters or younger friends, we help them, too.”
White said his colleagues have worked hard to built relationships with supporters outside of Acworth to keep the program going. They welcome volunteers from local churches and civic groups and establish contacts with groups like the Hawks who can provide funding.
“Last year, the Hawks had a promotion going to vote for MBA all stars, and we filled out so many ballots, we won the competition,” said White. “We’ve maintained that relationship with them, and they’ve helped us out quite a bit.”
Having a place to hang with friends after school is one of the best reasons to be part of the Achievers, said 16-year-old Alexis Echols, a sophomore at North Cobb High who has been part of the program since middle school.
“I’ve been here quite a while, so the people here are like family,” she said. “They help us with homework and even things like job applications.”
North Cobb freshman Angel Howard was invited to join the Achievers for four years ago.
“I thought I’d give it a try,” she said. “I like that they help us with homework and keep us on the right path. They’re great mentors.”
Another aspect of the Achievers is community service, said White.
“One of our big things with this program is service as well as learning,” he said. “Most recently, we did an MLK Day of service at the Roberts School and planted trees and did landscaping. We’ve been doing something like that since we started.”
The group also takes the occasional field trip, like a recent excursion to take in a Hawks game.
“Whether it’s doing a service project, getting help with homework or playing basketball, it’s all about giving encouragement outside of normal school setting,” said White.
The Achievers are currently collecting shoes and clothing for Goodwill's Job Training and Placement Programs. Donations can be brought to the Roberts Community School, 4681 School St., through March 13. Information about the Acworth Achievers is online at www.acworthachievers.com; 770-917-1234.
Each Saturday, we shine a spotlight on a local neighborhood, city or community. To suggest a place for us to visit, e-mail H.M. Cauley at hm_cauley@yahoo.com or call 404-514-6162.
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