More than 160 students participated in Andalusia’s brand-new after-school program, APPLE, which opened yesterday at Woodson Learning Center, formerly Andalusia Middle School.

The program, which is free, is funded by a three-year, $600,000 21st Century Learning Grant awarded to the city in October.

“The majority of the children were K-4,” Andy Wiggins, director of planning and development for the city, said. “The kids were super excited.”

Participating students are bused from Andalusia Elementary and Andalusia Junior High to the Woodson Learning Center, where they participate in recreational and academic activities.

Wiggins said the students were especially excited about the computer labs.

The city has employees directing the program, and volunteers also are helping, he said.

“That’s what will make the program successful,” he said. “There were lots of smiles on those kids’ faces.”

Wiggins said more than 200 applied for the program, but not all parents completed paperwork and attendance obligations. Those children are now on a waiting list.