Coastal Youth Academy, a new non-credit membershp program for middle-school age students, is being offered through Coastal's Division of Extended Learning and Public Services. The academic enrichment program will provide students with a great learning experience in a university setting.

Classes are being offered in Algebra I and II; Spanish I and French I; as well as computer classes in Windows, Microsoft Word and Internet research. An online grammar course, No No's for English 101, is also being offered. Most classes are held in the late afternoon, early evening or on Saturday, although two classes are scheduled in the afternoon to accommodate the growing number home school students in the area.

Membership in the program allows students to take classes designed to help them move ahead and excel in key academic areas. Coastal Youth Academy members also have access to the resources available on campus, including Coastal's foreign language lab and computer lab. Members will get university ID cards, making them eligible to use Coastal's Kimbel Library, as well as receive student discounts for campus cultural and sporting events.

"Not only do the students benefit academically by taking classes, but they also gain something extra by experiencing a university setting first-hand," says Judy Fontana, program coordinator.

The membership fee is $15 per semester. Course costs range from $39 to $59. For more information about course locations, dates and times, contact the Division of Extended Learning and Public Services at 349-2665 or visit the Web site at www.coastal.edu/learn.