Some kids spend after-school hours and weekends at music classes and football practice. For these kids, summer is the time for space camp and swimming lessons.

But those whose families struggle to pay the bills and can't afford extras often miss out on these educational experiences. And as their classmates progress, some find themselves getting further behind.

According to sociologist Roxanna Harlow, there is a direct link between poverty and a child's level of educational achievement. And in Carroll County, Md., where more than 90 percent of the population is white, kids of color face a unique set of challenges.

"I feel strongly that good education should be accessible to everybody, especially these extras that can really make the difference," said Harlow. "We don't turn anyone away based on money."

Dr. Harlow founded Higher Learning Inc. (HLI), a non-profit organization that "provides active educational enrichment for underserved youth" because she was moved by the contrast between the affluent college students she taught and the young people she encountered on the street corners of Baltimore and her native Chicago, who had few opportunities to succeed.

The program offers Saturday sessions during the school year as well as two summer sessions.

"I decided to start a program that targeted students of color who are lower income and behind the most in terms of educational achievement" said Harlow, "and I chose to focus on academic experiences that they would not get in school."

Harlow left a full-time job with benefits at McDaniel College where she taught Sociology, to work with students ages 11-17 and shifted her focus to those whom she felt have a greater need for her services.

HLI is funded by small private donations and Harlow works with no salary. The students' meals are usually donated by local restaurants and the local schools and community center provide HLI students with a free venue. The biggest expense is transportation for field trips. Each year, Dr. Harlow struggles to find enough funds to stay afloat.

While there are other programs that teach kids about the world, what makes this program special is that families are billed based on their income levels.

Rodney McClinton, whose sons Tameem and Rodney Jr. have been with the program since 2009, said that HLI is "the best kept secret" in Maryland.

"If you compare the price of a 5-day summer camp anywhere in Carroll County you will find the price to be well over $100 per child," said McClinton. "Higher learning is 6 to 7 weeks at $35 per child. If more people knew what Higher Learning offers as opposed to what that high-priced summer camp or baby sitter they have offers, there would be a waiting list for this program."

Students who qualify for free or reduced meals in public schools pay $35 for an entire year of service, which includes Saturday after-school sessions and a summer camp. The most a single student pays is $120 per year.

"This program is a great way to enrich our kid's knowledge past their immediate environment. We want our kids to be creative thinkers, and socially aware on a global level," said McClinton.

Each summer there is a different theme. On a typical day during the summer session, students have an activity-based lesson on a specific topic. During a daily session, students learn Spanish, discuss current events and play sports. Every week they go on a field trip or participate in a hands-on session with a guest speaker.

Last summer session's theme was Food, Fitness and the Environment. Led by college professors and experts, the students learned about environmental sustainability, health eating habits, and natural body remedies like acupuncture. They participated in activities such as toga, Tai Chi, gardening and learned about different cultures.

During the school year the students went on college tours and visited places like the MarylandScienceCenter, the SportsLegendsMuseum in Baltimore and the SmithsonianMuseum of Natural History.

And once a year, a group of older students takes a week-long trip abroad. Dr. Harlow applies for grants and seeks out private sponsors to cover each student's travel costs.

"Higher Learning not only makes you want to learn more but it makes you want to live out what you learn," said Ryan Kwaku-Mensah, 16. "It motivates me and is a kind of experience that just grips the student because you see things you would never see in your own neighborhood."

Ryan and his brother Kevin, 13, were among a group of students who travelled to Managua, Nicaragua, this past August to explore the country's culture and history as well as practice their Spanish. They said that they are now more aware of the world around them.