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Expanding After-School Program Offers Alternative To Violence In SF's Bayview

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - Supporters of an educational program that's expanding in San Francisco's Bayview neighborhood said the recent shooting of a five-year-old girl highlights the need for these types of things in the community.

The girl was injured just blocks from the new home of College Track facility on 3rd St. The goal is to attract as many as 500 teens to the center.

"They'll come here three times a week and receive academic support," explained site director Omar Butler.

He pointed to Tuesday's shooting, which left the girl with non-life-threatening injuries, as proof that after-school programs are needed in the Bayview.

"We have to ask ourselves, have we lost so much control where our kids feel comfortable having gunfights?"

KCBS' Chris Filippi Reports:

The violence hits home with Chelsea Stewart, a College Track participant who wants to become a pediatrician.

"She's walking home from school, a positive place, with her father and now she won't be able to walk. That's just heartbreaking," said Stewart.

Police continued to search for suspects in connection with the shooting.

(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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