A local non-profit organization hopes to offer a place for middle school students to not only stay out of trouble, but also learn a few life lessons along the way.

Patricia Daniels of Andalusia’s CRIBS (Crisis that Resolve Interactive Behavior Solutions) said the group will offer an after school enrichment program beginning in September.

“There’s going to be tutoring and mentoring, but we’ll also be doing some community outreach like projects to help the elderly,” she said.

The program will be open to students from the sixth through eighth grade, but Daniels said there are only 20 slots available so those interested must sign up early. One of the unique aspects of the program will be that participants will be taught important lessons about finances.

“The fee is $20 per week per student,” Daniels said. “But the kids are going to get $5 of that back, and they can use it to either purchase school supplies or they can start a savings account with it. It’s important that kids learn the importance of saving at an early age.”

For more information about the after school enrichment program or about CRIBS, call Daniels at 804-3064 or CRIBS director Will Sconiers at 427-2059. CRIBS is located at 106 McRainey Loop.