Trailer for Whatever It Takes, which screened at the 2009 Hawaii International Film Festival.
In order to combat rising problems in public schools, New York City decides to create hundreds of small schools in the poorest areas of the city. The Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics was one of these new schools aimed to make a difference in the neighborhood. Whatever It Works covers the first year of this school's existence, concentrating on Principal Tom, Science teacher Ms. Balogh and student Sharifea (aka Ya-Ya). Principal Tom employs a tough-but-fair attitude to get through to the students and sometimes goes too far. Ms. Balogh, fresh out of Rutgers University, commutes everyday from New Jersey to work with these students less fortunate than her and often wears herself out. Sharifea is bright and charming but has family problems that affect her schoolwork. The audience will find themselves rooting for the future and success of these three people, as well as that of the entire school.