The factors that lead to a student joining a gang vary from individual to individual.
According to the NSSSS, “Power, status, security, friendship, family substitute, economic profit, substance abuse influences, and numerous other factors can influence kids to join gangs.”
Gang members also come from varying ethnic and social backgrounds, regardless of age, sex, or race.
Because schools are melting pots for these types of factors, it becomes a major breeding ground for current and future gang members