About the Program
Mission
The mission of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of 16-18 year old high school dropouts, producing program graduates with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens.
Making A Difference
Established in 1993 – 39 Programs in 30 States
200,000+ Students Have Graduated
Established in 1993 – 39 Programs in 30 States
200,000+ Students Have Graduated
Established in 1993 – 39 Programs in 30 States
The Program
The National Guard Youth Challenge Program is a community-based program that leads, trains and mentors 16-18 year old high school dropouts so that they may become productive citizens in America’s future.
This award-winning program has been recognized as one of the nation’s most effective and cost efficient programs for targeting youth who are at the greatest risk for substance abuse, teen pregnancy, delinquency, and criminal activity.
Youth Challenge Program Success
Since 2016, over 80% of Challenge graduates earned their HS diploma or earned enough credits to be able to return to high school in good standing.
Over half of graduates earned college credits during Challenge.
Over 30% of the graduates obtain job skill certifications.
Over 80% of graduates were placed…going to school, working, or in the military within one year.
Program participants have donated over 13 million hours of community service during the program’s duration.
Programs have awarded graduates nearly 200,000 academic credentials. More than 200,000 teens have graduated.