I have several kids who work 30 - 40 hours a week. I think sometimes high school is an obstacle to the transition to college. It can seem so trivial to some kids. I work with HS kids. It's the capitalistic way.
Schools often treat teens who are parents or hold full-time jobs with little respect, like children.
Partly it has to do with compulsion and obligation. In the U.S. media, being smart is being a nerd. It boils down to communication. I've used the 7 habits of highly effective teens. Kids in gangs have great leadership skills.