WASHINGTON -- City Year, an organization that places young volunteers in high schools and middle schools across America was in the capital to celebrate its accomplishments

With distinct red jackets, khaki pants and Timberland boots, City Year volunteers walk the halls of schools seeking out young unmotivated students who are likely to drop out. 

Victor Rivera says he was inspired by help from a City Year mentor assigned to his school in Philadelphia.

"I walked out of almost every single class that I went to," said Rivera. After storming out of one of those classes,  City Year volunteer Jake Schoneker reached out to him. They bonded over their interest in poetry and since then Rivera has improved his math and reading scores.