Problem based learning has more recently become a common term in public education. There is much positive potential when implementing problem based learning at the high school level. Here I review positives while not completely ignoring some of the negatives associated with implementing a problem based learning model at the high school level. More importantly, I will move beyond a look at the model of problem based learning and focus on how the model encourages students to take an active role in their learning as well as in the community. With the support of Ernest Morrell's (2003) theories of promoting students activism, I will combine personal implications from researching the background of the model holistically as well as examples of successful practices. My research will create an understanding on how students benefit from problem based learning by increasing critical thinking skills as well as literacy skills and also how the community in which the students reside also has the potential to benefit.