Boys & Girls Club of Harrison County might be a fun and safe place for children to be after school, but it can also be integral in helping them achieve goals, according to the club's assistant director, Shelly Graff.

On Thursday a group of children gathered at the club for the "I Can Achieve" Academic Pledge Rally and Lights On! Afterschool event, which is sponsored by JCPenney Afterschool Fund. The first program is geared toward teaching children what goals are and then helping them achieve those goals. The second encourages children and parents to utilize afterschool activities such as the Boys & Girls Club.

"This is for adults to realize there is a place for kids to go after school. They don't need to go home to an empty house, they can come here, it's a fun place," Ms. Graff said during the rally.

The club's executive director, Bryan Partee, said all the programs used by Boys & Girls are intertwined, such as the two the rally event was held for Thursday. Those participating in these programs earn points throughout the year which can later be used to go on exciting field trips such as seeing the Dallas Mavericks play, he said.