AUBURN – The school system has received nearly $400,000 from the state to expand a special after-hours school for teenagers.

Started a year ago, ELPM is open to teenagers who are failing classes, who attend the city’s alternative schools or who have dropped out of high school.

The program offers classes after the regular school day has ended.

About 45 students attended ELPM classes last year.

Two part-time teachers ran the program when it started. With the grant, both teachers will work full time. The program also will be able to add teen parenting classes, child care and advanced computer software that allows students to work through a course independently.

The school system will receive $133,000 a year for the next three years.

The grant comes from the Maine Department of Education.

Superintendent Barbara Eretzian announced the award at a School Committee meeting Wednesday night.

The ELPM program is separate from Auburn’s adult education program and Merrill Hill and Franklin alternative schools.