SUSSEX - A 76 Nova sits in a Sussex garage looking like it's ready to hit the racetrack. But it is no ordinary vehicle. It was built by students revved up to learn.

Eighteen-year-old Tom Diehn describes the car before he and his classmates worked to restore it. "It had ugly hippie stripes all over the car and it was in bad shape. We did a whole frame off retro. None of us knew what the car was going to look like when it came out."

But today the glistening race car is a true beauty. The 76 Super Nova was created by students enrolled in a non-profit program called "Power of Youth."

John Nedeau is the founder of the program. His goal is simple. Turn at risk teens into productive citizens.

Nedeau notes, "They worked on it every Friday night for almost two years. When the car came back in the shop with paint on it their eyes lit up. "Classes are run out of Nedeau's garage in his Sussex home.

Students learn the basics of auto mechanics. Diehn says, "It's a lot of fun I never thought I'd have so much fun sanding a car."

"Power of Youth" gives young people who may not have a chance to go to college tools to get a job. Classes are taught by volunteers and paid for by community sponsors. Nedeau explains, "They go through an interview process to get into the program and they have to make a commitment with their parents that they're going to stick with this program until the end."

And so far, there have been no problems getting students to stay. Diehn recalls, "I love it. It was a whole different experience and I wouldn't give it up for the world."

Adam Gratz served as a student mentor. He enjoyed watching the kids grow. He shares, "It's pretty rewarding when you see that little light bulb go off in their head and they understand."

Through "Power of Youth, students learn teamwork, discipline, commitment, accountability, and being on time. In short, students gain life skills.

Nedeau admits, "Power of Youth" is rewarding and gives him a chance to know what it feels like to give back. And for the students, building a great ride proves to be a fun journey. One that is inevitably fueling their foundation for future success.

The race car built by the students is being raffled off to continue to pay for future Power of Youth classes. Tickets are $50. For more information call 262-327-4011, or go to the Web site Powerofyouthinc.org