R.B. Hudson Middle School students can receive free tutoring and participate in fun activities three times a week in an after school program offered by the Edmundite Missions.

The program started in March and is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays lasting from immediately after school until 6:30 p.m. The location is 1108 Griffin St., across from the Bosco Nutrition Center. It is open to students in the fifth through eighth grade and will run until May when R.B. Hudson is dismissed for summer break.

Edmundite Missions Outreach Coordinator Kathleen Navarra said they decided to do the program for R.B. Hudson after they talked to the students there and students said they had nothing to do after school.

“We’ve done a survey and talked to the principal and R.B. Hudson students and everyone agreed there wasn’t enough for students to keep them busy in Selma and help them,” Navarra said. “R.B. Hudson students seemed to be willing to participate in the program.”

She said only a few students have come to the program since it started but is confident that number will grow.

Navarra is observing the program closely for what is needed by students so she can plan a summer program as well.

It will start June 1 and last for about six weeks. It will run Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The program can only accommodate 20 students at a time for after school and 30 for the summer program. After the cap is met, others are put on a waiting list.

Navarra has recruited high school students to tutor in the subjects of math, social sciences, English and more.

“We have computers so they can do educational games. We do arts and crafts and board games too because I know when they get out of school they sometimes need a break from schoolwork,” Navarra said.

She is working to incorporate leadership development and a career club into the program to give students information about options of work fields and how they can be successful in whichever they choose.

“We have been online with them to look at colleges and talk about why they should pursue higher education. We want to get them into good habits so that they can succeed and also guide them to make short and long-term goals,” Navarra said.

She said she also wants students to know they need to be multi-skilled and get involved in clubs and organizations in their school. Snacks and dinner is provided to all students each day the program is held but Navarra encourages people to donate food and volunteers to come out and help.

“The Edmundite Mission wants the students to think about high school and beyond to get them career ready. We want them to be focused and help them stay occupied with positivity so we can get away from violence,” Navarra said.