They are threat to themselves or others, they are seriously disruptive, or they have a history of sexual acting out. They are angry and hurt and don't trust. For the past four years, students like these have been voluntarily taken from their regular classes and placed in Urlacher's HOPE program. That gives Urlacher the chance to help the children take on their problems. Without these skills, they have no chance of succeeding in a regular classroom.
Students spot each other and fall into each others arms.
They lead each other across a fake mine field blindfolded. They play games that require cooperation in order to succeed. During rock climbing expeditions, students must learn to trust that Urlacher and his assistants will hold fast to their ropes as they dangle 40 feet above ground. And that's important, because generally they don't think of anyone but themselves. Students don't get a free ride on their studies while in the HOPE program.