After careers in education that have spanned nearly four decades, Barbara Black and Marguerite Langford still believe in second chances.

And they have brought that belief to East Laurinburg’s after-school program.

Black and Langford run the school’s ALA Carte Apex Extended Day program, which offers computer-based course retrieval to high school-age young adults.

“We believe in giving everyone a chance,” said Black. “We have students from the regular day program here at East, the Scotland High Schools, who come over in the afternoon, and some students who aren’t enrolled in a regular day program taking part in the program right now,” said Black.

For Suquittah Nimetullah, a regular high school program isn’t an option. With two children at home, the 19-year-old doesn’t have time go to school full-time and work to support her family.

But she knows that without a high school diploma, there are few options for her to make a better life for her and her kids.

“I don’t want to be doing nothing (with my life),” Suquittah said. “I want to go to college to be a certified nursing assistant. I want my kids to have a better life. I know I can’t do that without an education.”

Suquittah is currently joined by 30 other students in the program - all working toward a high school diploma. The students take courses through an online software system called Apex Learning. The students work at their own pace, aided by Black and Langford, to complete their coursework. The instructional program delivered by Apex Learning has been approved by the North Carolina Virtual Public School to award high school credits upon course completion.

For Bradley Shannon, the after-school program at East is more of a third or fourth chance after dropping out twice due to family issues. Despite the setbacks, the 18-year-old is only four courses away from his high school diploma and determined to complete his requirements.

“I need English IV and Chemistry and two electives to graduate,” Bradley said, taking a break from a chemistry lesson. “I am trying to finish ASAP and graduate by this summer.”

Bradley credits Black, Langford and East Laurinburg Principal John Teal with helping him get back in school and working toward his high school diploma.

“After the second time I dropped out, Mr. Teal called me and asked me to come back to the after-school program, Bradley said. “Then Mrs. Langford and Mrs. Black got me on the right track.”

“This is such a great opportunity for these students,” said Langford. “It’s keeping kids off the streets three days a week and helps them channel their energies toward more positive pursuits. Before there were very few options for students who were out of touch with school. Here they can reconnect.”

The program offers a higher degree of flexibility for the students than traditional high school courses. This is a fact that Black and Langford see as an attraction for students who have had problems in a more traditional setting or who have job obligations.

“Because Apex is an online program, students who have access to a computer can work from home,” said Black. “We work with the students that have jobs to help them be successful. All we ask is that the students meet the progress requirements - they have put in the work - and that they come in to the school to take their tests.

Teal is looking to grow the program to help kids in the community.

“If there is anyone under 21 out there who wants to get their high school diploma East Laurinburg is available to you,” said Teal. “We haven’t turned anyone away yet and we believe in giving everyone a chance.”

Langford echoed those sentiments.

“For our kids to be successful, they’ve got to have a chance,” Langford said. “This program at East Laurinburg is giving kids that chance - an opportunity to find the path to help them reach their goals.”

Anyone under the age of 21 interested in enrolling in the ALA Carte Apex Extended Day Program can contact East Laurinburg School at 277.4316.