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National Guard program ChalleNGeS at-risk teens to succeed Kentucky program is based at Ft. Knox One photo accompanies this story By Ashley Schaffner and Sarah Bolton COLUMBIA, KY - A unique program created by the National Guard aims to transform the lives of high school dropouts. The ChalleNGe program helps turn high school dropouts and at-risk teens into citizens who will become assets to their communities. The program, which is available in 24 states, has operated in Kentucky since 1999. One of the programs mentor and placement coordinators, retired Col. Joe W. Warren, was in Southcentral Kentucky last week to talk about how the program is changing lives in Kentucky. Warren was a guest on several area radio stations and also spoke to local civic groups. Kentucky program based at Ft. Knox The Kentucky program, which is based at Fort Knox, helps high school dropouts gain self-esteem and discipline and get them focused on living productive lives, Warren said. The programs main goal is to allow the kids to re-enter the community as an asset, rather than a liability, Warren said. Since weve instilled this large amount of discipline in them, going into basic training is a snap for these kids. The 17-month program -- which is funded by the federal and state governments -- consists of a 5 ?-month quasi-military residential phase followed by a 12-month post-residential phase. During the first phase, students live at the academy and focus on eight core components: leadership/fellowship, service, job skills, academic excellence, citizenship, life skills, health and hygiene and physical fitness. The 12-month post-residential phase includes mentoring in which the students work with mentors to meet goals they set throughout the course of the program. Eligibility requirements start with age To be eligible for the ChalleNGe program, a high school dropout must be 16-18 years old, drug-free, unemployed, mentally and physically competent and a legal citizen of their state. There is no cost for participation. Before a student begins the program, he or she has an interview that determines whether the teen is voluntarily entering the program. The student has to be the one that wants to be there, Warren said. If this decision is made by the parents, then the student is less likely to complete the program. While living at the academy, students attend classes that include learning a trade or skill. Students have the option to learn about carpentry, heating and cooling, plumbing, nursing and electrical or computer skills. A main goal is to have students increase education by two grade levels One of our main goals for the program is to have the students increase their education by two grade levels, Warren said. The vocation classes are there, and if students want to learn in a different field, it opens opportunities for them. Strict rules apply to students after they first enter the program. And while the program is not a military boot camp, students learn several courtesy military functions. Students learn military procedures The students learn how to march, salute, fold the American flag, and respect, just to name a few, Warren said. We do not teach them how to shoot guns or to take any military actions such as that. Although students are not required to earn a GED upon graduation, Warren said it is highly encouraged. A stipend is granted to students who earn a GED and find employment in their community, become involved in volunteer work or further their education at a postsecondary institution, he said. 90 percent go through program again About 90 percent of the cadets want to come back and go through the program again, Warren said. They find themselves liking the idea of having their days planned out for them and the rewards they see while participating. In the 16 years since the national program was established, state awareness has increased dramatically, Warren said. For example, he said ChalleNGe has proven to be very cost-effective, saving the juvenile correction program $109 million annually. 75 percent of program's graduates earn HS degree or get GED In 2003, 75 percent of the programs graduates earned either a high school degree or a GED; 51 percent joined the work force; 19 percent enlisted in the military; and 20 percent went on to a postsecondary institution. Since the programs founding, 53,000 students have graduated nationwide .Although the program is supported by the federal and state governments, citizens can support it through tax-deductible donations. For more information, about the ChalleNGe program, go to Click here. This story was posted on 2006-03-13 05:49:48
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