Students attacking other students. Students attacking teachers, support staff, and even community members. Disrespectful and threatening language, overwhelmed or inattentive parents, and an administrative system that often appears unable to bring back order in the classroom. These are stories have become an everyday part of teaching in urban America. Baltimore City, one of the most challenged regions in the country, has long suffered from the effects of entrenched poverty that creates an almost inescapable cycle of violence, ignorance, and marginal living. But, Baltimore has realized that it doesn't have to be this way forever. Though the challenges of educating the next generation and creating a new wave of "academic superstars" is daunting, there are proven community support systems that have made dramatic changes in the social, cultural, and academic lives of these children. Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) has been a mainstay in the Baltimore area for over 50 years. Its mission is to help boys and girls grow up to be confident, competent, and caring young adults. BBBS achieves this by creating and supporting mentoring relationships between children in schools and positive, engaged, successful community members.