KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Teens in Transition held their end-of-summer celebration on Friday, after an eight-week program aimed at helping Kansas City high schoolers who are at risk for exposure to violent behavior.

“Maybe they have some challenges,” said Tru-Keicha Smith, executive director of ArtsTech, who collaborates with KCPD and Aim for Peace on the program.

“So, they need to be in an environment to get to know people and get some experiences. And so, the idea this year was really to create experiences. We wanted them to walk away with leadership skills.”

The students are picked by KCPD School Resource Officers, and participate in art programs, activities and field trips that will build life skills.

Smith says building a relationship with law enforcement is a huge help too some student

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