Can you charm a snake? Twirl a yo-yo? Fold paper into flowers? Or anything that might be fun for kids in a homework club?

If so, Stephanie Gilbertson wants to talk with you.

Gilbertson is one of the directors of the University of Cincinnati GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness And Readiness For Undergraduate Programs).

The program needs about 250 volunteers to work with kids, K-8, in an after-school program to help prepare them for college.

"The purpose of the program is to work with kids at this level to get them on track for college before they reach high school," Gilbertson said. "The volunteers will handle the fun part of the program. We need them to share a hobby with the children. Other words, give them a little fun after we work with them on homework, make sure they are taking the right courses to get on track for college."

The volunteers will work with sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

Lionel Brown, former assistant superintendent for Cincinnati Public Schools is an investigator and a director of the program. Larry Johnson, dean of the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Service, heads the program.

UC received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education in 1999 to start the after-school program. Gilbertson said it will reach 3,000 students.

The after-school program operates in Bond Hill Academy, Central Fairmount, Clifton, East End Heritage Community School, Heberle, McKinley, Oyler, Hays/Porter/Washburn, Rockdale Academy, Rothenberg Preparatory, South Avondale, Washington Park, Whittier and Windsor.

"We are looking for people who can start the week of August 21, but we are recruiting for the entire school year," Gilbertson said.

She said people who want to volunteer in March can be scheduled now. To volunteer, call 556-3611.

Allen Howard's "Some Good News" column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.