ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Asheville City Schools has partnered with community organizations to provide an educational space for students who don’t have positive learning environments at home.

The new centers are called PODS, Positive Opportunities Develop Success. Students who may have distractions at home are able to come to places like the Edington Education and Career Center.

Many of the kids who benefit from this program are minority or low-income students, as studies project they are going to be hit the hardest by remote learning.

Some students are also challenged because their parents have to work, so no one is home to help them with assignments.

Asheville Middle School student Tiarra Smith says she enjoys the PODS because she can get more immediate attention.

“It’s better because then I don’t have to wait on an email from the teacher, and I can get help right away and more understanding,” Smith explains.

There are currently 22 PODS for Asheville City Schools students.