John Henry , KSDK 9:31 AM. CDT October 28, 2015

Students from 32 different high schools came together at Ritenour High School Tuesday to discuss the topic of race in our region.

This is the second year schools have participated in the Gateway2Change program, coordinated by EducationPlus.

Organizers say they want to generate social change by encouraging discussion among diverse groups. The program began following the civil unrest in Ferguson last year.

"We saw a need for students to have an outlet, to have their voices heard and instead of just passively watching negative images, have an outlet to have a means to get involved, to show their tenacity," said founder Drew Schwartz.