PROVIDENCE –– Few enjoy being cooped up in a classroom on a bright summer day, but the students participating in Ways to A’s, a summer study-skills program, welcome the opportunity to learn.

“It’s pretty fun,” said Jeffrey S. Castellanos, 15, of Warwick. “I’m learning different ways to study, take notes quickly, listen better.”

The six-week program, organized by The College Crusade of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization based in Providence, brings together about 80 students entering sixth and ninth grades from low-income communities for four days at the Community College of Rhode Island’s Liston campus, at 1 Hilton St.

Each week a new batch of students comes in, primarily from Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence and Woonsocket.

Depending on their grade level, they attend classes on developing better study habits; reading, writing and listening more effectively; and preparing for college. They take quizzes, tests and surveys that assess their learning abilities, styles and interests so that the lessons match their needs. They work in small groups and learn to make presentations. They learn about the perfect study environment –– a quiet place with ample light.

In its second year, the program’s main goal is to help students transition into middle and high school as smoothly as possible, said Adam C. Tarczuk, 29, of Warwick, who supervises the 11 other instructors. It is free and provides the students with transportation, breakfast, lunch and snacks.

To become a Crusader and be eligible for programs such as Ways to A’s, students go through an extensive application process. They write essays and send in references, just as they would when applying to college, said Admissions Manager Laurel D. Shepard.

Shepard said most students are accepted, as long as their parents finish the paperwork on time and agree to attend a mandatory orientation in the summer.

The College Crusade is supported primarily by a federal grant from the Department of Education’s GEAR UP program that seeks to prepare disadvantaged youth throughout the country for college. It also receives funds from the state and from corporations, foundations and private donors. It works to counter dropout rates and provides college scholarships.

This year, Tiffany N. Hooks, 22, of Coventry, is an instructor at Ways to A’s for the first time. Hooks became a Crusader in third grade and eventually realized her goal of going to college. She currently attends the University of Rhode Island.

But that isn’t enough for Hooks. She knows she has to help others do the same.

Many students struggle in middle and high school because they were never taught how to study, Hooks said.

She said the program does wonders for such children, who might not receive enough support and guidance from their families or teachers.

Alexis M. Brown, 25, echoed similar sentiments.

A former Crusader, Brown now works as an adviser representing The College Crusade at Classical High School and the Textron Chamber of Commerce Academy in Providence. She helps students stay on track with their studies and their college applications.

Brown said students today face peer pressure significantly worse than the kind she did when she was growing up.

Her job, she said, is to be there for these students not just on an academic level, but also on a personal level.

At Ways to A’s, the instructors and advisers are like friends. They laugh with the students and emphasize learning in a laid-back environment.

James D. Piersaint, 11, who will attend Gilbert Stuart Middle School, in Providence, said he loves learning through games and other group activities.

“I hope to be here next year,” he said.

njayakri@projo.com