The southeast Baltimore community of Cherry Hill deals with obstacles that are common to most inner-city neighborhoods, such as poverty and crime. But the residents there knew that if they could turn their failing schools around, it would go a long way to restore hope. So through a partnership with Towson University, they poured their hearts and minds into doing just that.

The university provided Cherry Hill with the resources it needed to excel. In exchange, students from Towson University's College of Education received experience teaching in a classroom environment.

After many years, things in Cherry Hill are starting to look up. Two out of four schools are no longer classified as needing "corrective action." Test scores are on the rise. Parents and guardians are getting involved. Teachers are optimistic. And most important, Cherry Hill students are excited about going to school, and hopeful about their futures.