Results

The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program is one of the most successful programs designed to serve at-risk youth. Over 81,000 cadets have graduated since 1993. Remarkably, over 60% of these graduates -- former wayward high school dropouts -- have earned their GED or high school diploma while in the program. This percentage is nearly double the average reported pass rate of 41% for the same target age group.

Highlights from the 2008 Annual Report

Compared to similar programs, ChalleNGe is remarkably cost effective. According to the 2008 Annual Report to Congress, the average per day program cost for ChalleNGe is $41 per youth, compared to $178.00 for private military-style programs and $200 for incarceration.

2008 Highlights:

  • 7,492 cadets successfully completed the Residential Phase of the program and graduated.
  • Over 60% of graduated cadets reported positive placement activities at the conclusion of the Post-Residential Phase.
  • 60% of the cadets who tested and completed the Residential Phase successfully completed requirements for a GED credential or high school diploma, exceeding the 41% average pass rate for the same age group in reporting Adult Education programs.
  • 524,076 hours of volunteer service to the community were performed, representing a value of $3,406,494 based on the Federal minimum wage.
  • Graduating cadets improved 1.8 grade levels in The Adult Basic Education (TABE) test.

For more information about the success of ChalleNGe: