Educating and Fostering Morals & Values

Another Way Out, Inc.

The vision of Another Way Out, Inc. is to increase youth graduation rates while building character

Founded in 1992, by business leader and community advocate Sam Tompkins, Another Way Out, Inc., provide opportunities for youth to broaden their perceptions of what life has to offer by motivating them to stay in school, resist negative peer pressure, avoid teen parenthood, drug/alcohol-related violence and other limiting behavior.

The centerpiece of Another Way Out, Inc. (AWO) is mentoring, intervention and an after school program that serves underprivileged youth in high-risk environment, assisting them in becoming productive, self-sustaining, responsible members of society.

Since its inception, AWO has provided youth with important opportunities to engage in the community’s civic activities and to give them a way to channel their intellect and ambition in a productive manner. At the core of each of AWO’s programs is the realization that education, community, and building character are crucial to the success of both the child and society.

Introduction

Sam Tompkins grew up in a small town in rural Virginia and later graduated from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Education with a specialization in auto mechanics. Upon graduation, Sam entered the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. After 20 years of service he retired as a Major. The majority of his military career was spent in the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit (EOD) during which he was responsible for protecting the President of the United States, Vice President, and other U.S. officials and dignitaries. Sam was also in charge of several details, which provided protection for Reverend Jesse Jackson during his run for Presidential office.

Sam Tompkins later became a successful business owner, forming Woods & Tompkins Automobile Cores and Tompkins Motor Sports. Mr. Tompkins would reminisce of his childhood, playing with his bicycle and scooter in knee-torn jeans, a time of youthful play and safe, clean fun. Today many young people's youthful memories are of illegal drug use, teen pregnancy, classroom shootings and experiences of physical and sexual abuse. Sam decided to form Another Way Out, Inc, a mentoring, intervention and after school program, to help address the negative trend happening with youth today.

"There are those who dream the impossible, then there are those who make their dreams come true"

- Sam Tompkins

Welcome - Another Way Out, Inc

Another Way Out

Another Way Out, Inc.