(STATEHOUSE) Feb. 6, 2008 - The National Guard, along with Rep. Woody Burton, was at the Statehouse today to support second chances for Indiana youth by presenting the Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy. Led by professionals who emphasize discipline and life skills, ChalleNGe provides high school dropouts a chance to become valuable and successful in their everyday lives. "ChalleNGe is a National Guard- and community-based program that leads, trains and mentors at-risk youth so they can become productive citizens in Indiana's future," Rep. Woody Burton (R-Greenwood) said. The National Guard's program was launched in 1993 to address the needs of at-risk youth between the ages of 16 and 19. The program was brought to Indiana last year, with the help of Gov. Mitch Daniels, and graduated 35 cadets in December. Indiana was the 29th state to adopt the program. "Everything is a challenge," said Cadet Preston Hoover, 17, who is currently enrolled in ChalleNGe. "I have learned a lot since I started the program, but most of all, I have learned to look at everything with a positive attitude. That way, I can achieve anything." Currently, funding limits ChalleNGe to 100 applicants in Indiana. The program's primary funding is through state and federal money. "We have a program that has been proven to be successful in making young adults productive citizens, but without funds our program can not exist," said Barry Stewart, recruiting coordinator for ChalleNGe. "Dropouts cost taxpayers millions of dollars each year in lost wages, taxes and productivity. ChalleNGe saves the taxpayers money by giving a future to Indiana's youth." ChalleNGe accepts applicants who have dropped out of or have been expelled from high school or who are struggling academically. Also, applicants must: - Be between the ages of 16 and 19. - Be unemployed. - Be drug-free. - Have no pending felony charges. - Be committed to having a better life. "In 17½ months, our cadets learn new life skills, gain respect for themselves and others, have the opportunity to obtain a GED, then prepare for a future by continuing their education, joining the military or joining the work force," said Army Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Jim Gordon, deputy director of ChalleNGe. "Cadets have to be willing to change when they enter the academy," said Cadet Devon Hobbs, 18. "They have to be willing to make something better of themselves in order to succeed." For more information concerning the Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy, please log onto www.ngycp.org/in or call 1-877-860-0003.
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