What is the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program (NGYCP)?
What is the National Guard's involvement?
What is the need for the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program?
How old must I be to be eligible for the Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy?
What class will I be able to enter?
When is the application due to be considered for the next available class?
When will I know I am accepted?
How long does the program last?
Will I receive a high school diploma?
Do I have to be withdrawn from school to apply?
Do I have to join the military after graduation?
Does a physician need to complete the medical history?
Where do I find a mentor prospect?
After I complete the application, may I fax it?
Do I need to give Regional Coordinators my origional documents?
Do I need to have an interview?
Do I need to attend an orientation/tour of the Academy?
Answers...
What is the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program (NGYCP)?
The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program is a voluntary, preventive program designed to give at-risk youth a second chance by helping them improve their life skills, education levels and employment potential. Sixteen to 19 year-old female and male high school dropouts are eligible for the 17 month program, which includes a five and a half month residential phase followed by a twelve month mentoring phase. Started by the National Guard in 1993, the NGYCP has been independently rated the most cost-effective, efficient and successful program for at-risk youth in the United States.
What is the National Guard's involvement?
In keeping with its mission to maintain the freedom and security of the nation, the National Guard launched the Youth ChalleNGe Program in 1993 to respond to the growing crisis of high school drop-outs and at-risk youth. Led by current and former Guardsmen with an emphasis on discipline, education and life skills, the Youth ChalleNGe Program provides young people with the opportunity to change their lives for the better and become productive and accomplished in their chosen field. The National Guard is supported in this effort by the National Guard Youth Foundation.
What is the need for the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program?
The United States is facing an epidemic of high school drop-outs. More than 33 million Americans between the ages of 16 and 24 do not have a high school degree and more than 2,500 more youth drop out of high school each day. A staggering 68% of individuals in the prison system are high school dropouts. In addition to crime, the negative impact of dropping out of high school can include unemployment, underemployment, teen pregnancy and increased dependence on Public Assistance Programs.
How old must I be to be eligible for the Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy?
You must be 16 before the first day of class.
You cannot turn 19 before the first day of class.
What class will I be able to enter?
Applications are accepted and processed for the next available class. Classes are normally scheduled as follows: 2nd week of January and 2nd week of July.
When is the application due to be considered for the next available class?
January 2010 class deadline is December 26, 2009
When will I know I am accepted?
You will be notified by mail of that decision at least 30 days prior to the first day of the upcoming class.
How long does the program last?
17 months
The applicant is a resident for 5 and a half months (22 weeks).
The applicant is enrolled and tracked by the Mentor for 12 months after graduation during a post residential phase.
NO! The Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy takes only applicants who volunteer for the program! The program is not equipped to accept those that do not want to participate in this program and those that are not ready for the ChalleNGe.
The program is state and federally funded. There are no tuition or application fees. All applicants will be required to bring $50.00 in the form of cash or money order paid to the applicant with them on the first day of Pre-ChalleNGe to cover any incidental expenses. You are responsible for bringing required clothing, under garments, hygiene items, medications, and other items listed on the Packing List issued at an orientation. No other items will be permitted and will be confiscated. You may be responsible for graduation fees, which include the purchase of ceremony cap and gown.
Will I receive a high school diploma?
No. You will be provided academic classes to assist in your preparation for a General Education Diploma (G.E.D.) . If you complete the entire program you will receive a Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy diploma for completing all 8 core components of the program. If you score well on the G.E.D pre-test, you will be provided the opportunity to take the G.E.D. test.
A TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) is used to identify individual educational levels in various academic subject areas such as mathematics, reading, and language. The results indicate the grade level of the test taker.
Do I have to be withdrawn from school to apply?
No, not to apply for the program. However, if your application is selected for enrollment, you are required to provide an official withdrawal from school. We do not recommend students that are doing well and have the chance to recover academic credits and those that can obtain a high school diploma with their proposed graduating class to withdraw from school to apply for our program. If you are enrolled in school, it is not recommended you withdraw from school until you are accepted into the Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy.
Do I have to join the military after graduation?
No, however the ASVAB test is given to all students. The SAT and ACT tests are offered for those interested in college, technical or vocational school and some cost may be involved. Additional certified continuing education class credits may be offered depending on program funding.
Does a physician need to complete the medical history?
No, the medical history need to be completed by you with assistance your parent or legal guardian. If the applicant has a medical problem that keeps him or her from completing the physical training, a doctor's statement will be requested.
Where do I find a mentor prospect?
You and your parent or guardian must choose your 2 mentor selections and the people you choose must complete the enclosed mentor application. The program requires each applicant to provide at least two in order to be eligible. Mentor requirements are listed on the 1st page of the mentor application.
After I complete the application, may I fax it?
NO! Original signatures are required on the application! Completed applications and all required documents should be submitted to a regional recruiting coordinator or turned in at an orientation before the deadline for the next available class.
Do I need to give Regional Coordinators my original documents?
Yes. You need to bring original documents to the orientation and we will copy and return them to you before you leave. We will have them notarized. Copies must be clear and legible without alterations in the official documents.
Do I need to have an interview?
Yes, every applicant must conduct an interview with our Recruiting staff to be considered for acceptance to the program.
Do I need to attend an orientation/tour of the Academy?
Yes, every applicant and parent or legal guardian must attend an orientation/tour at the Academy prior to being accepted.