Participants are encouraged to bring their homework, and if they have none, then the hour is spent quietly reading a book or engaged in other passive activities. Drug and gang prevention are also incorporated into this part of program. Students who attend the tutorial portion of the program eligible to take part in organized recreation activities, arts and crafts projects, snack-time and field trips at no cost to the participant or parent. Activities may include nature walks, a karate demonstration and outdoor living skills. Field trips take kids to Fighting Illini football practices, bowling and trips to the zoo.
Some kids spend the entire program studying.
Others only tolerate the study hour in hopes that the day's recreation hour includes a good game of basketball. An average of 15 kids attend the program each week. The Housing Authority maintains an office in the apartment complex. They stay in tune with the neighborhood and recommend the program to kids who might benefit from it. Behavior management is often a challenge, and a policy has been enacted for this reason.