According to the FBI in 2024, a violent crime occurred approximately every 25.9 seconds. Research shows people who had behavioral issues in high school have a higher chance of committing crimes in the future. This alarming rate highlights the importance of addressing the causes of criminal behavior early in life. My idea is that we can help people during their most impressionable times to make better choices for their future. 

I notice countless students out of classes for disciplinary matters, missing crucial learning experiences, and what I believe to be the general fun of school. What I think could be very beneficial is to have a group to help mentor students and encourage them to make better decisions.

This group could have adults that have been through the same scenarios as the students to make sure they don’t go down the same path. We would host the group and provide a safe place to talk with warm meals and games to help encourage students to bond and get to know each other better. This group would be affiliated with Link Crew; however, the difference would be that our mentoring group would focus on 10th through 12th graders instead of 9th. 

Our group would not punish or talk down to anyone. Instead we would give the students the tools necessary to facilitate change. With one bright mind, we could help change the lives of many individuals going forward, creating a better future for everyone.