MILWAUKEE -- An organization is looking to build teens up as leaders, in hopes of bucking the notion of recent teen violence.

Milwaukee is one of only five cities with Ushser's New Look Foundation. The organization empowers teens to become leaders in the community starting in 8th grade by using four key tools: talent, education, career and service.

"We take their talents, their passion and what they're interested in and then we help them understand how education, career and service plays a role around that talent," said foundation president Shawn Wilson.

He knows the demographic he serves well.

"I was one of the kids we help. I grew up in inner city in Milwaukee," said Wilson.

He says the challenges are plentiful in the inner city, but New Look helps its students to use those challenges to better the community by doing service projects and educating their peers.

For Jakayla Dills, its teaching a seminar on diversity. She's been with New Look since she was in 8th grade, and says the organization has helped her not be afraid to show her talents and get up in talk in front of others.

"Sharing a message with the youth outside that are dealing with the same situation we are and basically inspiring them not to give up," said Dills.

The Rufas King senior has recruited a number peers to join New Look, including Markeita Bratcher and Tavonna Hadley.

"This is a good opportunity for me," said Bratcher. "It transformed me into a leader because I never thought I would even be a leader. It's empowered me to make a change in the community."

"I definitely want to impact someone's life for the better, like get them to go to college or help them find their talent," said Hadley.

Besides the leadership training and service projects, New Look members meet with advisors who are leaders themselves in the community. Cory Nettles is one of them.

"It's great to be able to encourage those dreams and encourage those programs and encourage their visions and help these kids along their way," said Nettles.

"There's no if, ands, or buts or you can't do this," said Dills. "Everybody has a chance. There's no stopping anyone. We always inspire everyone to be the best they can be."

For more information on Usher's New Look Foundation, log onto www.ushersnewlook.org.