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ABSTRACT North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Cabarrus County Center aids people to improve the quality of their lives by providing research-based information and informal educational opportunities focused on issues and need. 4-H SOS Goldminers has successfully served this mission since 1996. The students are from targeted and open enrollment. Students who are at risk because of academic difficulties, behavior problems, high suspension rate or poor attendance are recommended to the program. Cabarrus County has a high percentage of unattended youth in the afternoon, therefore latch key youth are recruited. The staff is selected on the basis, of the ability to provide a safe, nurturing environment where youth are challenged to achieve academically and grow socially. The program is open on days that school is in session from school dismissal until 6:00 p.m. There is daily parental contact. Close collaboration with the schools, Cab~rrus County government, health and recreation departments, 4-H, Boy Scouts of America, AOL/Time Warner, as well as other community resources is a key to a vibrant program. Homework assistance, recreational activities, and snacks are components of the balanced program. Hired staff and volunteers supply academic and cultural enrichment activities Monday through Thursday. "Fun Fridays" allow students to explore the community through recreational, social, and educational activities. Personal responsibihty for one's actions are emphasized as students are encouraged to make decisions related to the program as well as being guided by a personal development curriculum that is research based. Requesting funding for $67,830. will help serve 90 students during the year. Additional support will be from in-kind, additional grants, and a nominal fee. Scholarships will be readily supplied based on need.