WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama says young people are talented, but need a chance to show it.
Obama commented at a luncheon Thursday with Washington-area young men who participate in a White House mentorship program.
About 40 young men and women are participating. Obama, his wife, Michelle, White House staff and appointees serve as mentors.
Obama says 11 men in the group are planning to study at Morehouse, Stanford and Yale universities, and enlist in the Marine Corps.
He says their plans show how talented young people are, but adds that they need to be given opportunities to show what they can achieve.
Obama says he and Mrs. Obama will keep mentoring young people after he leaves office in January.