Students are receiving hands-on training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through the Community of Christians Helping Youth after-school program.

For the third year in a row, the center is offering their STEM program, which exposes students to important subjects ranging from science to math, Executive Director Roy Acker said.

The program aims to teach students about STEM subjects through videos, lesson plans and hands-on activities, which include planting gardens, making solar ovens and dissecting sharks.

Recently, the center received a $54,000 grant from the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation to go towards the 2014-2015 term of the program.

“In the past, we’ve done the program through donations since we’re a non-profit,” Acker said. “We’ll be using this grant money for supplies, equipment and personnel.”

From now until August, the center will provide STEM-related activities on a weekly basis.

Year-round, the center provides students with a full-range of educational programs, including tutoring, Bible study, field trips, sewing, nutrition, performing arts and recreational activities.

The center’s aim is to provide a full-range of educational resources to under-privileged children in the community. They mainly focus on students in first through seventh grade, Acker said.

“We’ve had students who’ve told us that our program saved their lives and they’ve gone on to become huge figures around here like board members,” Acker said.

For more information, contact Acker at (228) 304-2396.

The center is located at 120 Street A Suite C.