The school dropout rate in North Carolina increased more than 6 percent in the 2006-2007 school year. While some feel it's best to let those go who want to drop out, but there's a larger group who feels these teens shouldn't just be written off.

"...conference leaders took note of the temptations and challenges teens face - especially black male teens - to stay on the right path. Peer pressure, lack of confidence and low expectations among them."

The conference, sponsored by the Leadership Education Economic Empowerment Project and Park Ministries Crossroads Initiative, was attended by close to 300 black male teens - many of whom brought their parents.

Labels: challenges, choices, dropouts