Parents, students and educators gathered at I.S. 171 Friday to plead with school officials not to go forward with a proposed 25 percent budget cut, which could put a successful after-school program in jeopardy.

Derek Perkins, a staff member for the Cypress Hills program, says he is worried that many of the students will end up on the streets if the program is eliminated.

"This is a way for her to socialize get to know peers and follow the right direction," says parent Evelyn Irizarry, speaking of her daughter.

The parents are planning to take their fight to City Hall next week, joining others across the city to protest the looming budget cuts.