HAMILTON, Ohio — For smaller cities, it may be hard to find extracurricular activities for kids. That’s why one Hamilton native created Hamilton Young People Empowered or HYPE.

HYPE provides after school programs, homework help, and a way for kids to get their energy out through its boxing program.

​​Every week, Ethan Hicks straps on his boxing gloves and gets to work. He said it helps get his anger out. It’s something he started doing just more than a month ago, to help him stay out of trouble.

“I got anger issues," Hicks said. "So little things like me getting yelled at by somebody or someone screaming, I get really angry about it. So I come here and just sweat it all out.”

Between pushups, footwork, and getting punches in, Hicks has been able to see some real improvement, but besides the physical aspects, it’s also helped him mentally.

“It calms me down a lot," he said. "And I can do this in my free time, and I don’t have to worry about getting in trouble.”

Which is something Hicks used to worry about. But now, he has the proper place to get out his anger.

The boxing program is one of many that Shaqulia Mathews has created at HYPE. Mathews only charges a few dollars per class, something she said is imperative so everyone can join in.

“We’ll have what we need to be able to, not just what we need, but more than enough to continue to offer the many programs that we have that will help empower these kids and this community and family," Mathews said.

For Hicks, that means he doesn’t have to travel far or pay much to enjoy his new hobby.  

“It releases stress, is easy, and I’m not worried about stuff on the streets," he said.

While it’s all still new, it’s something Hicks sees a future in.

“For right now, this is what I’m focused on," he said.