In the News
MDRC Study Finds ChalleNGe Produces Lasting Improvements in the Lives of Former Dropouts
Friday December 16th 2011
During a panel on Capitol Hill on July 15, Chief of the National Guard Bureau Gen. Craig McKinley, U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu and Dan Bloom of MDRC, an education and social policy research organization, discussed the results of MDRC's multi-year comprehensive evaluation of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program.
MDRC's report, "Staying on Course: Three-Year Results of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Evaluation," illustrates the significant positive impact ChalleNGe has on the educational attainment, employability, and income earning potential of program participants. The study found ChalleNGe participants are:
• 16 percent more likely to earn their high school diploma or GED
• 16 percent more likely to obtain college credits
• more likely to be employed
• have significantly higher wages (20 percent)
MDRC's report also cited profound improvements in the self-image, self-confidence and attitudes of those who participate in the Youth ChalleNGe Program.
To read MDRC's executive summary, click here. To watch a video of the panel, click here.
Washington Youth Academy recognized as an Innovative School by state
Bremerton Patriot
Friday December 9th 2011The academy, a quasi-military training and mentoring program, is a division of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program and was announced last month by the state Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn as an Innovative School. The academy was selected along with 21 other schools in the state for providing instructional programs that are bold, creative and innovative.
N.C. Guard Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy Honored With Governor’s Award
Wednesday November 30th 2011
The award recognizes outstanding achievement in human relations, innovations, state and public service, safety and heroism. State agencies nominate individuals and teams through the N.C. Office of State Personnel.”This is the highest honor for a state employee or team,” said Perdue.
Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy Selected as a Washington State Innovative School
Monday November 28th 2011
The Washington Youth Academy was awarded this distinction because they demonstrated 'bold, creative, and innovative' ideas. The Academy also has high expectations for students and teachers, provides students with an array of educational options, and partners with parents and their communities.
ChalleNGe Academy graduates complete AmeriCorps service
Wednesday November 23rd 2011
Five graduates from the Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy completed 10 months of service with the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) Nov. 17.
Landrieu: We Must Support the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program
Huffington Post Education
Tuesday September 20th 2011Through my work in the Senate, as well as with the National Guard Youth Foundation, which supports the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, we're working to give those who drop out of school a second chance to succeed. There are now 34 sites in 27 states and Puerto Rico. At an average cost of $17,000 for a 17-month program, ChalleNGe is cost-effective alternative with a track record of results.
MDRC Finds ChalleNGe Produces Lasting Improvements
Friday July 15th 2011
Results of MDRC's multi-year study shows that ChalleNGe grads are more likely to receive a high school diploma, GED, obtain college credits, are more likely to be employed and earning signifcantly more in wages than control group counterparts.
Students find National Guard program curbs drop out rates
CNN Newsource
Thursday March 24th 2011Tens of thousands of high school dropouts are finding a new future through a little-known program.
Student Pilot Lands at Seward
Alfredo Anaya / Crusader News
Tuesday September 21st 2010It’s plain to see he likes to express himself in his attire, wearing colorful socks and a backpack to stand out from the crowd. His manners also stand out, as he politely stays behind to open a door for anybody who is about to walk by. Jones’ past is as colorful as his pink, green, and yellow socks, and checkered with a military academy education, with a gang past, and a commercial pilot’s license. Jones attended Fort Gordon Military academy after having some problems in his past that resulted with him having three of his ribs cracked in a gang fight. “At that point, I decided that, in combination with several other things I'd been subjected to in my gang life, that it was just enough,” Jones said.
MDRC Releases Interim Results on the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program Noting Positive Findings
US Politics Today
Tuesday August 10th 2010MDRC, a prestigious nonprofit, nonpartisan policy research organization, released positive interim results from the ongoing 36 month evaluation on the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, a high school dropout program. The report,
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