The Rowland Arts Center is extending its drop-in hours and adding some educational activities for students this summer.

RAC, in partnership with the summer feeding program, will ensure those participating get a free lunch.

Throughout the summer students can take hands-on classes, learning skills in cooking, arts and crafts and photography.

A cooking class Wednesday taught students how to prepare easy meals they can fix at home with affordable ingredients.

“If they’re baby-sitting a sibling, or mom and dad is at work, you know, they’re able to handle cooking up a French bread pizza or putting something together for themselves for lunch or dinner,” RAC Director Joseph Miller said.

Other classes will allow students to make their own tie-dye shirts and learn about photography.

Fridays will be activities day, where students will have the chance to enjoy the outdoors with Parks and Recreation and spend some days hiking at Red River Gorge.

“Everything we do this summer is completely free for anyone who wants to get involved,” Miller said.

The program is for students in fifth to 12th grade, and they must sign up for summer programs to RSVP for classes and have parental consent to travel.

Forms are available at the Cairn Coffee shop or online at rowlandartscenter.com.

Drop-in hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.