Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow serves people like Mr. Lake who are considered at-risk, out-of-school and unemployed youths.

Black children made up nearly 50 percent of all out-of-school preschool suspensions, according to a 2014 study by the U.S.

The district, for example, has renewed its efforts to end racial disparities in school discipline, in part by eliminating most out-of-school suspensions for elementary students.