Research indicates that idle and/or unsupervised youth are likely to become at risk for engaging in risky behaviors such as alcohol and other drug use, sex, and crime. It is  believed that by implementing this program the youth of these two school districts will achieve academic success and be less likely to be involved in at risk behaviors.
 

• According to a 1995 census survey, approximately 5 million school aged children are left unsupervised during the day. These are "latchkey kids". Few childcare opportunities are provided for middle schoolers. These are the children "in between".
• In South Carolina , may of our "latchkey kids" are 6th, 7th and 8th graders who are not young enough to clearly need adult supervision, but often not old enough to be left unsupervised or long periods of time.
• Research indicates that during unsupervised hours (3:00 to 6:00pm), middle school children are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as sex, crime, drugs, and alcohol use.
• In 1990, an estimated 77.4% of mothers with children age 6-17 years were unsupervised in the afternoon.
• In 1998, 35% of 8th grade students did not meet 8th grade BSAP math standards and 35.1% did not meet BSAP reading standards.
• In 1992 -93, 11.5% of 7th & 8th grade students reported to have smoked a cigarettes
• In 1993, 19.3% of  7th & 8th grade students reported using alcohol.
• In 1998, a total of 93 babies were born to teen mothers ages 10 to 18yrs old.

Early adolescence is a formative time. Decisions made during this period can shape both academic and long term outcomes. The need for a high quality after school program for middle school children is evident.

The Barnwell County Communities in Schools Program will offer middle school students in Barnwell and Blackville the following opportunities:

• Academic Enrichment -- Students will receive South Carolina Standards based instruction from Certified Teachers in language arts, math and science. Along with instruction in social studies.
• Cultural Enrichment -- Students will be given the opportunity to have lessons in dance, drama, photography, cooking and exercise.
• Life skills and Leadership -- Students will be given the opportunity to learn about local agency services such as drug/alcohol/teen pregnancy prevention and the public library, career opportunities, conflict resolution, etiquette for work and home, budgeting, ect.
• Social Recreation -- Students will participate in Physical Education and will participate in different field trips. Blackville students will be given passes to all home sporting games.
• Community service Projects -- Students will be given the opportunity to give back to the community through projects such as recycling beautifying their town, and volunteerism.
• Parental Involvement -- Quarterly parent events such as a student talent show will be offered to allow parents to be involved with their child in the Barnwell CIS Program. Parents are encouraged to volunteer during the after-school program. Barnwell will offer the families and Schools Together Program (FAST) for 10 families.