He's served time in prison and survived being shot. Karim Rogers is like thousands of America's inner-city youth thwarted by poverty, limited education, drugs and violence. But Rogers has a real chance to turn his life around, and he says he plans on making the best of it this time around. Part of a nationwide program funded in large measure by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, YouthBuild takes a comprehensive approach to solving the problems of especially troubled young people between the ages of 16 and 24. Gone are the desks and the lectures.
Many students study English, math and social studies in discussion groups.
But YouthBuild students also learn the fundamentals of independent living, skills like how to budget for food and rent, how to manage their anger, where to find a good doctor and why it's important to show up regularly and on time at work. That last skill may be the most important of all. However, what he and his staff can do is teach these youngsters to show up on the job with a good attitude, sober and on time. But participants must first test into the program with at least a sixth-grade proficiency. The St. Louis program will help those who test lower to raise their literacy skills.