Full Bio
Keith Robinson's life story is one that is both tragic and triumphant. Labeled an "at-risk" youth, Keith began running with the wrong crowd at an early age and eventually became the type of youth most parents don't want their children to be around. His situation went from bad to worse as he learned one day after school that his father, who was in constant bad health, had died.
With a loss of hope and a lot of pent up anger Keith went on a rage of destruction, abusing nearly every illegal substance known and resorting to a life of crime and violence. Soon it became apparent that the only way to keep up his habit was to sell the drugs he felt he desperately needed to cope with life.
As his life was spiraling out of control and after watching several of his friends get involved in gangs and go to prison, Keith became desperate to get out of his troubled lifestyle.
At 17 years of age, with the help of family, friends, a few teachers, and a high school principal that wouldn't give up on him, Keith chose to break away from his rebellious ways and forced himself to take responsibility for his life and future. Keith knew things had to change and after getting out of bed one morning he looked at his mom and said, "I'm glad to be alive today." Keith describes it as the day he "woke up" and realized that he had to do something positive with his life.
Soon everyone around Keith including his family, friends, teachers, principals, police officers, his probation officer, and even a judge, began to see the difference in Keith’s life. They could tell he was serious about his decision to make his life count. Keith went on to graduate high school as his GPA skyrocketed from a 1.6 to a 3.6. From there, Keith went on to receive his college degree and graduated with honors, an achievement many thought he would never accomplish.
Since his dramatic transformation as an "at-risk" youth, Keith Robinson has carried a deep burden to inspire students to overcome life's disappointments in order to achieve their dreams. His passion and ability to connect to all types of students has made him a sought after youth communicator in public schools across the nation.
Keith has devoted his life to working with youth and developing an understanding of today's youth culture. He is now the Founder/Director of The Emerge Experience and is actively involved in developing a strategy for character education by combining the efforts of students and educators. Keith, his wife Samantha, and two sons Joel and Jude currently reside in the Des Moines, IA area.