News 12 at 6 o'clock, October 1, 2008

RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga.---Richmond County has many after-school programs, but budget issues have them looking for more community support.

Georgia schools get money from the state for after-school programs.

Some kids at the Academy of Richmond County just started a program called "Destined to Be." It caters to student's interests, but junior William Johnson says these days, some kids don't show any interest in school.

"[They're] so lifeless, don't even want to study, fall asleep in the middle of class, chewing gum, always want to talk all the time," said Johnson.

That's partly why Assistant Principal Renee Kelly helped start the after-school program.

"We have to continuously reach out to those students because sometimes they feel like they have to do those negative things for attention, but there are other things they can do to get that attention that they're seeking," said Kelly.

She says they're a great way to help keep kids out of trouble, as well as educate them.

The state feels they're important, too, that's why they give money to school districts to have them.

Richmond county hopes to start their state-funded programs by November, but they worry about their capabilities because of budget cuts.

These ARC students say they really help, because class time can only do so much.

"We're only limited to the 50 minutes everyday, five days a week, 180 days a year. That's not enough sometimes," said sophomore Tylene Heblinger.

That's why Kelly is also trying to get churches and other groups to volunteer some time with the kids at her school.

William believes that might be a big help to some of his classmates.

"Education should always be put first...but some people aren't like that, and that's gonna need to change some time soon," said Johnson.

Up to 15% of that money from the state can go toward transportation, but leaders fear that won't be enough with today's gas prices.

Richmond County has many after-school programs, but they're always looking for more and that means getting the community involved.