The Pushouts

Coming Soon to PBS: Martin Flores directs YO! Watts, a program for 16–24 year-olds who did not finish high school. To solve the “dropout crisis,” Flores says we must first address a widespread misunderstanding: These students are not giving up on their education; they are being pushed out of school.

Coming Soon to PBS: Victor Rios joined a gang shortly after having his head broken open by a baseball bat. Seeking physical protection in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Oakland, 14-year-old Rios asked to be jumped in. Rios’ story reveals what shorthand labels like “gang member” obscure.

Coming Soon to PBS: Victor Rios is haunted each day when leaving the young people he helps mentor in their difficult circumstances while he returns to his safe neighborhood. This struggle pushes him to reflect on memories of his own mentors, who were often in his life only briefly before moving on, and finds solace in the lasting impact all mentors have on young people even after they are gone.

Coming Soon to PBS: Kadhir Rajagopal was a former university student of Victor Rios. Kadhir’s family was of the “untouchable” caste in southern India before they moved to the south side of Chicago where Kadhir was raised. He uses algebra, Tupac and his father to discuss the relationship between education and rebellion and inspire his students to build faith in themselves.

Get a first look at VOCES' "The Pushouts" from the team behind the film.