Educational Media Reviews Online

Inspiring stories like those in All the Difference open our eyes to an existence that is both unimaginable and empowering.

Set in the South Side of Chicago, the film follows two young African-American teens – Robert and Krishaun – as they transition from high school, make their way through college, and come full-circle to careers that serve inner city youth. The seeds of their success are planted by caring family members as well as educators at the Urban Prep Academy for Young Men, an exemplary all-male high school that emphasizes academics, promotes respect, provides encouragement, and fosters self-commitment. Throughout their undergraduate journey – Robert at Lake Forest College and Krishaun at Fisk University – they persevere despite financial difficulty and family tragedy. Their college graduations are feted with the joy of earning a degree and the longing for loved ones who had met untimely death.

Engaging and enlightening, All the Difference tells two deeply personal stories of remarkable will and courage. Amid challenges, setbacks, and insecurities, Robert and Krishaun hold fast to a “not going to fail” mentality instilled in them at Urban Prep. Their experiences underscore the importance of mentoring youth and investing in educational opportunities for underserved populations.

In 2016, All the Difference premiered on PBS’s POV independent film series as part of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s American Graduate Initiative: Let’s Make It Happen project. Highly recommended for all libraries, All the Difference is an outstanding resource for education, sociology, and contemporary issues courses and an effective professional development tool for educators. A film lesson plan, discussion guide, and reading list are accessible on the film’s POV web page.