A new Phillips Brooks House Association project will hold afternoon classes in the Yard for seventh- and eighth-graders from underprivileged Cambridge areas next year.

Dubbed CHALLENGE, the program's general purpose is to "broaden the cultural horizons of intelligent but economically disadvantaged Cambridge boys and to acquaint them with some of the opportunities that the future holds," according to Elisha Gray '66, director of the project.

More specifically, CHALLENGE volunteers will hold three 2:30-5 p.m. sessions a week with groups of about five pupils. During the meetings they will explore some aspects of literature, logic, music, art, and current affairs. Composition, the works of great authors, modern mathematics, and algebra will be among the topics stressed. A definite curriculum will be drawn up this summer, Gray said.

Seminars Planned

In addition, seminars with professionals and business leaders will be held at least once a month to investigate and discuss opportunities in specific fields.

It is hoped that this integrated program will stimulate talented junior high school students to choose college preparatory courses in local high school and to utilize more fully the extensive cultural facilities of the Boston area.

Those admitted to the classes will be chosen on the basis of recommendations from adults in contact with them, applications filled out by the students themselves, interviews conducted with the help of professionals from the community at large, and possibly recommendations from teachers and principals.

Harvard and Radcliffe volunteers for the program will be recruited during the reading period, and teaching applications are now available at PBH.