Teenagers work on acrobatic acts like balancing and juggling during a workshop at the Trenton Circus Squad. Photos By Associated Press

Von Oehsen calls it a "game changer" that other cities can embrace to engage inner city youth and keep them off the streets. Brookes says they give the children "a really safe place to test their limits and help them do things they never thought were possible".

"The kids in the program really become role models," Brookes says. "And we bring in people from many other towns really to change their perspective on what Trenton has to offer, and what the kids in Trenton have to offer the community."

The group, which plans to start a pilot program in Camden this summer, performs at nursing homes, hospitals and community events.

While it started as a service project for suburban high school students to fulfill their community service requirement for graduation, the kids kept coming back even after they completed their hours.

Squad members say they enjoy meeting kids from different backgrounds, knowing that they share some of the same concerns.

Gabbie Cain is a 16-year-old squad member from nearby Princeton.

"I feel like I connect on some basis, but I've never been exposed to the living that some people here experience," Cain says. "So, I've learned a lot just by coming here."

Associated Press