Managing Partner Arne Duncan and Community Change Leader Curtis Toler joined "The Daily Show with Trevor Noah" to talk about CRED's critical work.

Before the show, Trevor had the opportunity meet some of the men in CRED's current cohort. The group had an intimate conversation about the challenges they've faced and how CRED programming like education, counseling, and job training is helping them get off the dangerous paths that are all too common for young men in Chicago. Trevor shared similar stories and insight from his own background, growing up in segregated South Africa and witnessing regular violence in his own neighborhood.

When CRED participants asked Trevor what the key was to leaving a life of potential violence and striving for something more, Trevor noted it was the first time he managed to get a legitimate job. "The streets don't sound as loud when you have a job and some money... a true job where they told me I was good at what I was doing."

The special episode of "The Daily Show" is one of five filmed in Chicago, focusing on both the urgency of the city's gun violence issues and the great potential of local leaders to make positive change.

As Arne and Curtis explain, Chicago CRED has a bright vision for Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods. It's a vision that includes working with guys directly, providing key coaching and skills, and a smarter way to reduce gun violence through employment and a new community of support. By engaging community members, local business owners, and other stakeholders, CRED is paving the way for a new conversation taking place in Chicago.

"What if we could give children their childhoods back," says Arne. "What if they could grow up free of fear? That's got to be our collective ambition."

A crucial step is helping young men envision themselves choosing a path that's different from what they may believe to be inevitable based on what they've seen growing up. "You change your circle, you change your life," says Trevor.

Watch "The Daily Show" segment here.