IN THE CLASSROOM:

Each day after school, about 50 students meet in the Fireside Lounge on the Costa Mesa High School campus.

The seventh- and eighth-graders are members of the YMCA Youth Achievers After School Learning Center, a free program that includes three hours of scholastics, sports and snacks.

With about 30 slots open, organizers are hoping other kids take advantage of the program.

The biggest difficulty in enrolling students has been getting parents informed, Program Coordinator Trang Nguyen said.

The program was introduced several years ago at a local church, where volunteer tutors worked with the kids.

Now that the program is on campus, the YMCA can take advantage of the school’s parent outreach methods.

Kids have to sign in and out each day, and are dismissed from the program if their attendance falls below nine hours per week, Nguyen said.

The school year begins with voluntary sign-ups; targeted interventions begin in October for students who will benefit most from the program.

“When parents get notice that their kids aren’t doing well in school, they’re quicker to sign them up,” Nguyen said.

Zavier Garcia, 12, said he most enjoys the sports portion of the afternoon. It’s also a relief to have his homework done by the time he leaves campus.

“Then I can just go home and relax,” he said.

“It was really fun,” said Lisset Mendoza, 14, a former participant who later won the first Chick Hearn Legacy Scholarship. She said she learned to be proactive and courteous in the program.

“I was really lazy, and I would talk back a lot,” Mendoza said. “Then I learned to do my homework before I went out to play. They help you out in life.”

She appreciated visits from professionals — such as a fashion designer — who stopped by to talk about their lives.

“Now I want to be a designer,” she said.

Each afternoon typically consists of a snack, sports or other activities, homework assistance and an enrichment program that focuses on life skills, Nguyen said.

Youth Achievers also hosts monthly Family Fun Nights.

Mendoza still helps out with the program as much as she can, volunteering for the fun nights and other events, she said.

“They still welcome me,” she said.

Mendoza first attended the program when it was at the church.

“The Presbyterian Church of the Covenant wanted to reach out to the local community,” church volunteer Gene Foster said.

Last year, the program experienced dynamic growth, so it was moved onto the campus.

Nguyen has garnered several grants to support the program, and is constantly searching for new funding. She also hopes to get more parent volunteers. She said parental involvement is critical to the program’s success.

“Parents often feel intimidated by their kids’ homework, so this is a way they can still show their support,” Nguyen said.

For more information, pick up a packet at the school’s front office or call (949) 722-3818.

CANDICE BAKER can be reached at (714) 466-4631 or at candice.baker@latimes.com.