All the Difference is a documentary following the paths of two teens from the South Side of Chicago who overcome societal obstacles and dare to dream of graduating from college.

ALL THE DIFFERENCE — Photo: bigskyfilmfest.org

Robert Henderson and Krishaun Branch are the first in their families to graduate from college. They both got their foundation at the Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men, where they had mentors and teachers to encourag them to get through high school and beyond. Krishaun chooses to attend Fisk University (HBCU) in Nashville, while Robert goes on to Lake Forest College (PWI) approximately 30 miles north of Chicago.

Both Henderson and Branch endure obstacles on their path to success, but they overcome all of them in the end and decide to pursue careers that give back to their community.

“It only takes one generation to dramatically change the destiny of a family, and when families change, communities change,” said award-winning producer/director Tod Lending. “Robert and Krishaun exemplify that change. It’s important to remember that they made it to college not because they were academically exceptional. They made it because their mentors, teachers, academic advisers, family members and pastors believed in them and taught them to believe in themselves…”

“If this type of very affordable support is made available to all young men growing up in the chaos and despair of poverty, we will see a whole new generation bring an end to that cycle of poverty. I think our country desperately needs to make this happen,” he added.

Catch the national broadcast premiere on PBS on Monday, Sept. 12 at 10 p.m. Be sure and check your local listings to watch.

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