NG Challenge Program

Program Description

ChalleNGe is a National Guard 22-week, quasi-military, residential program, for drug free, 16 to 18 year old high school dropouts who are unemployed and not currently involved with the legal system. The residential phase is followed by a 12-month post-residential mentoring period. Program core components are academic excellence (GED attainment), leadership and followership, citizenship, community service, life coping skills, job skills, physical fitness, and health and hygiene. Subject to program funding levels, successful completion of the residential phase entitles graduates up to a $2200 stipend if the graduate goes on to college, vocational-technical learning institutions, a job, or returns to school.

Corpsman Selection

Eligible youths must be nominated by a member of the local community and successfully complete an application and screening process. Screening and selection committees are established at local and state level.

Personnel and Support Services

Program staff includes National Guard members in non-training/civilian status, military retirees, and civilians. Each program has certified teachers, counselors, and military personnel who guide and work with the youth. A comprehensive support package, from appropriate clothing to residential training facilities, is provided to adequately support the program.

Findings and Assessments

Over 46,000 cadets have graduated; 97% of the targeted program enrollment. Over 73% of the graduates have obtained a GED or High School Diploma. Over 600,000 hours of community service and conservation projects completed. Approximately 55% continued their education, 25% enlisted in the military, while 20% found employment. $14,481 per targeted student; one of the most cost-effective programs in the nation.

Program Site Locations

ALASKA (Ft. Richardson), ARIZONA (Queen Creek), ARKANSAS (Camp Robinson-N. Little Rock), CALIFORNIA (San Luis Obispo), FLORIDA (Camp Blanding-Starke) GEORGIA (Ft. Stewart, Ft. Gordon), HAWAII (Kapolei), ILLINOIS (Rantoul), KENTUCKY (Radcliff), LOUISIANA (Carville, Minden, Pineville), MARYLAND (Aberdeen Proving Grounds), MICHIGAN (Battle Creek), MISSISSIPPI (Camp Shelby), MONTANA (Dillon), NEW JERSEY (Ft. Dix), NEW MEXICO (Roswell), NORTH CAROLINA (Salemburg), OKLAHOMA (Pryor), OREGON (Bend), PUERTO RICO (Juana Diaz), SOUTH CAROLINA (W. Columbia, Allendale), TEXAS (Galveston), VIRGINIA (Virginia Beach), WEST VIRGINIA (Kingwood), WISCONSIN (Fort McCoy).