LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Contrary to popular belief, not everyone knows what they want to be when they grow up, but it’s never too early to start exploring options.

That’s why every Saturday morning, a group of students from Jackie Robinson Academy in Long Beach get together for class. The class is sponsored by Dramatic Results, a program that extends throughout Southern California.

It was created by Christi Wilkins 26 years ago with the goal of using hands-on arts education to engage underperforming students. But the class at Jackie Robinson is a bit different — focusing on STEAM subjects to engage students already doing well in the classroom. This Saturday school component is just one of a variety of programs sponsored by Dramatic Results.

“We had teachers starting to reach out to us saying, ‘We love what you’re doing for our underperforming students, but we’ve got students here that are GATE,’’ explained Wilkins. “They’ve got such potential, but no resources.”

The students in this classroom are here to be challenged and introduced to subjects that might peak their interest.

Plus, as students enrolled in Title 1 schools — typically those with large concentrations of low-income students — Dramatic Results brings programming they wouldn’t receive on a normal school day.

“One time we did robotics which was really cool,” said Sebastian Suarez, a sixth-grade student involved in the program. “I’ve never been able to do that in my own time, so just being here and having the opportunity to do that is really cool.”

On this particular Saturday, the students are making cyanotypes, a manipulation of sunlight exposure that was the basis of modern-day photography, but they’ve also done mock interviews and cooking classes, among other activities.

“The Saturday school has really opened this new pathway for me,” Suarez said.

The session also helps to keep students engaged in school and on the right path. The hope is that by getting them involved early on, they will have a track for high school and beyond.