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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- City Year Columbia kicked off the beginning of a new year serving Columbia Public Schools.

The 2011-12 City Year Corps members met Friday at city hall announcing their new teams, along with a new sponsor.  The Wal-Mart Foundation was on hand to present a $40,000 check to the group servicing one of four downtown Columbia schools with the highest drop-out rates. 

Members play promising roles for students.  They will serve as tutors, mentors, and role models in four local schools this year.

"What we're here for is to be that person to push them along.  If they're having a hard day, if they're struggling with their grades, that we're going to be here for them if they need anything, if they need any help, that we're here and we're here everyday for them," says member Brittany Bennett.

In 2010, only 63.7 percent of Columbia's high schoolers graduated on time, therefore City Year members concentrate on ways to improve attendance and keep kids on track.

City Year, an AmeriCorps organization, has operated in Columbia since 1993.