HOUSTON (AP) — Miracle Washington-Tribble didn't see much hope for her future.

At 16 and already a single mother to a baby boy, she wasn't going to school, had been in numerous fights and lacked ambition to turn her life around.

Then in August she was introduced to Eight Million Stories, a Houston program which helps 14 to 18-year-olds who have either quit or been kicked out of school continue their education, find employment and receive emotional support.

"At first I never saw myself getting a job or even finishing school," Washington-Tribble said. "I never went to school and I was doing bad...