When the three boys met in a magnet high school in Newark, they recognized each other as kindred sprits that wanted to overcome the incredible odds against them and reach for opportunity.

Along the way they made mistakes and faced disappointments, but by working hard, finding the right mentors, separating themselves from negative influences, and supporting each other, they achieved their goals–and more.

The documentary follows the three doctors as they navigate the minefields of their community work, struggling with exhausting shifts at the hospital, and wrestle with their own painful childhood memories while they spread the word to inspire other inner-city children to stay out of gangs and use education to escape from their urban streets.

During junior year, they vowed to change their lives, stay in school and become doctors, hence the making of "the pact" their promise of commitment and support to each other.

"[3] Before its airing on public television, many predicted that the film "will do as much, if not more, to influence the aspirations of young men than the rap game, professional sports or street culture ever could.

In Florida the People For the American Way Foundation used it for their Message Project, a series of education forums for urban youth and young professionals.

Richard Rowe of the African American Male Leadership Institute, David Miller and LaMarr Darnell Shields of the Urban Leadership Institute, and Imam Earl El-Amin, co-host with Rowe of the radio show Dialogue with the African American Male on WEAA thought the message in The Pact was so powerful that the film warranted a third showing in Baltimore.