Purpose

The National Guard Youth ChallNGe Program was established by the National Guard in 1993 to turn around the lives of young men and women between the ages of 16 and 18 who are experiencing difficulty in completing traditional high school. This is a cost-free program that is opened to Georgia residents. 

Currently operating 34 programs in 27 states and Puerto Rico, the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program is a voluntary 17-month dropout recovery program that helps at-risk youths earn their high school diploma or GED. We do so in a very discipline and structured program that uses the military model. ChalleNGe works with program participants after graduation to help enroll in college, trade school, start a career or join the military. More than 113,000 students have graduated to date?changing the path for their lives.

By intervening in the lives of troubled adolescents, ChalleNGe is making a difference. It is the only program of its kind that provides graduates with a personal mentor for one year to help the transition into adulthood.

ChalleNGE empowers participants to embrace responsibility, achievement and positive behavior. It instills self-confidence, fosters ambition and increases opportunities through job skills training, service to the community, and leadership. A multi-year study by MDRC found the program?s participants achieve ?impressive results? in educational attainment and employability. Key findings of that study include: GED or high school diploma attainment increased by 29%; college attendance increased by 86%; annual earnings increased by 20%.
According to RAND Corporation cost-Benefit analysis, every dollar expended on ChalleNGe yields $2.66 in benefits ? a return on investment of 166%. This return is substantially higher than other rigorously evaluated social programs that target disadvantaged youth. Youth Challenge is unmatched in its effectiveness in helping youth prepare for the future. 

 

Core Components

The Academy's mission and curriculum are accomplished during the residential phase through the completion of the following eight core components:

 

• LIFE COPING SKILLS

• EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

• RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP

• SKILLS TRAINING

• HEALTH, HYGIENE AND SEX EDUCATION

• PHYSICAL FITNESS

• LEADERSHIP AND FOLLOWERSHIP

• COMMUNITY SERVICE

 

 

For More Information about the Georgia Youth Challenge click here.

 

 

 

Click to download and print application

 

 

 

 

Click Admissions to Submit Application

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Question or assistance needed in the application process should be directed to Admissions as follows:

 

Aishia Ervin

Phone (770) 250-8775

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Kianga Lambert
Cell (912) 977-3154

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David John

Phone (912) 876-1724
Cell (912) 977-2863

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Linda Bennett

Phone (912) 876-1722

Cell     (912) 977-6717

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Jeffrey Helms

Phone (706) 823-8039
Cell (706) 993-7808

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Earlene Hamilton

404-274-2940

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