Building trust with at-risk students is a challenge for all educators. Taking a personal interest in each student is where educators need to begin. Creating meaningful communication with at-risk students shows caring for the students as individuals, and allows them to be more themselves. The authors propose that following, and mastering, the five steps of the Brown-Skinner model will aide the educator in building a trusting relationship with at-risk students. Trust in the education environment provides students an opportunity to take initiative in their learning.