A youth rally in Bridgeport held on Saturday promoted a program that officials say is keeping kids off the street and reducing violent crime.

The basement was filled at Summerfield United Methodist Church with students and parents who took part in “Youth with a Purpose” – an intensive program that tracks students’ grades and gives them counseling.

Rev. Dr. Herron K. Gaston says the program helps keep students on track for college.

"They can be what they want to be if they're willing to work hard," said Rev. Gaston.

Melanie Sanabria, 19, says the program helped her in many ways. She says she wouldn't be a sophomore at Housatonic Community College right now without it.

"There's just so many aspects to it. I built my resume, I met so many people," she told News 12.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal says the mentor program should be used as a national model for success.