Today, more so than at any other time in our history, teenagers are asking the question, "Who am I?" and finding it difficult to know the answer. As they expand their horizons on their journey from childlike innocence into early adulthood, our youth are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of external influence during a time when they are trying to find out "where they fit in to the scheme of life." In these formative years, experimenting and exploring are the name of their game.

Western society has few opportunities for youth to explore this transition with guided wisdom the way tribal cultures of the past often did. Even the pockets of guidance in our society, like religious ceremonies, are often bound by strict belief systems that don't adequately allow for societal changes that our youth are experiencing. More and more of today's youth feel they don't fit the mold of a codified package and often feel alienated from society. Consequently, many take unmediated risks and join like-minded gangs where they are among peers.

View volunteer job opportunities for The LifeWorks Institute

Dropping out from school is not an isolated event, but a long gradual process, says a new Research Council report. The report states that inadequate data on key questions are preventing educators from identifying students at risk of school failure early when intervention could make a difference. Data on some questions is not collected while other data is difficult to analyze because researchers use different definitions of dropouts and different methods of collecting data. The report, "Understanding Dropouts: Statistics, Strategies, and High-Stakes Testing" is available here.

ma-trix \'mA-triks\(n): a binding substance or surrounding substance within or from which something else originates, develops, or takes form.

The Matrix Group is comprised of individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences who are concerned about the rising numbers of youth who are becoming involved in the juvenile system; and who are dedicated to developing programs to aid these youth to get on track with their lives.

The Matrix Group's focus is to educate and empower youth to reach their personal potential by providing enriching experiences that promote emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual growth; thus providing an opportunity for these youth to become productive, contributing members of the community.

The Matrix Group offers specific opportunities for youth to explore who they are, what is important, and what they want for their future. Using mentors (guides) from the world of art, theater, music and real-world scenarios, facilitators provide safe, nurturing and creative environments for youth to explore life-seeking questions about life/work/home/health/spirit.

LifeWorks is dedicated to fostering projects which:

Beginning Locally -- LifeWorks develops events and learning opportunities that unleash initiative; spark creativity and foster a sense of purpose, meaning and community. Expanding Globally - LifeWorks acts as a bridge for a wide variety of projects. LifeWorks is an organization that focuses on practical strategies for success, the "how to" for creating innovative solutions.  If you would like to volunteer in this mentoring process, please do so here:

Our Strategy: To develop communities of support by bringing together key groups of people. Through connection and mentoring, supported by a wide variety of programs and projects, each participant can tap into their own inherent wisdom and can connect with others to enliven their dreams and visions. Experiential learning through workshops, retreats, one-on-one sessions and group projects are offered for those ready to "shift", whether for kids, teens, young adults, adults and ageless adults.