Parent FAQ

Mentor FAQ

What is the mentoring component of the ChalleNGe Program?
What is unique about ChalleNGe mentoring?
What are the results of the mentoring component of ChalleNGe?
What is the quality of the mentoring in the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program?

>> What is the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program?
ChalleNGe is a co-educational, 17 1/2-month program for 16-18 year old high school dropouts. Currently, there are 33 ChalleNGe programs in 27 states and the territory of Puerto Rico.  Cadets must be drug-free, not in trouble with the law and high school dropouts. The program consists of a 5 1/2-month quasi-military Residential Phase followed by a 12-month Post-Residential Phase.  

>> How can my child apply to ChalleNGe?
Each ChalleNGe program oversees its own admissions process. Prospective cadets should contact local programs directly to learn about specific application requirements and deadlines. ChalleNGe programs only accept high school dropouts, between the ages of 16-18 that are drug free and not in trouble with the law. Please visit  ChalleNGe Programs Near You for details on the application process.

>> Will my child be able to get a GED at ChalleNGe?
Every ChalleNGe program offers academic classes. Many youth are able to obtain their GED during the 5 1/2-month Residential Phase, but in order to graduate from the program it is expected that all youth raise their math and reading levels.

>> Is military service required upon completion of the ChalleNGe program?
No. Although ChalleNGe is 'quasi-military' in structure, cadets are not obligated or expected to join the service.

>> Is military service an option after graduating from the ChalleNGe program?
Completion of the ChalleNGe program with a GED enables graduates to enlist in the service.

>> Can my child attend a ChalleNGe program in another state?
In order to enter a program, You must be a resident of that state. If no ChalleNGe program exists in your state, we would encourage you to write a letter to your state legislature requesting a program in your state. For youth services, please contact your local county health department.

>> Is this a voluntary program?
YES. All youth participating in ChalleNGe must do so VOLUNTARILY.

>> Are there any costs to participants of this program?
NO. This program is offered free of charge to its participants.

>> What is the cost per student and who pays for it?
The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program is one of the most cost-effective programs for high-risk youth in the nation. It costs approximately $14,000 for each youth to complete the 17 1/2-month program. These funds are provided by federal and state partnerships.

>> When did the program begin?
The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program began as a ten-state pilot program in 1993 by an act of Congress. In 1998, following a comprehensive evaluation, Congress approved the ChalleNGe program as a permanent program. Since then, the program has grown to include 33 sites in 27 states and Puerto Rico.

>> What are the plans for the ChalleNGe program?
It is hoped that the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe  program will be extended to all states that wish to have one. Each year, new states are added.  Program leaders expect that the program will serve as many as 20,000 new mentoring relationships each year.

>> What is the purpose of ChalleNGe?
The purpose of the ChalleNGe Program is to develop the life skills, educational levels, and employment potential of at-risk youth through a structured intervention model. The ChalleNGe model focuses on eight core components that together improve cadet skills and facilitate holistic growth.

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Mentors FAQ

>> What is the mentoring component of the ChalleNGe Program?
Mentoring is a core strategy of the ChalleNGe Program. Youth in the program are trained and matched with qualified adult mentors by the 13th week of the program; meeting each week for at least 14 months.

>> What is unique about ChalleNGe mentoring?
Many high impact youth programs produce dramatic improvements in the attitudes and behavior of youthful participants while they are engaged in the program. However, research shows that these program gains decay over time because graduates are not properly supported during their transition back to the community.
 
This is not the case with the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program. The mentoring component of the ChalleNGe Program is fully integrated into the residential phase of the program. Over 90 percent of ChalleNGe mentors are nominated by cadets at the beginning of the residential phase, eliminating the isolation many mentors feel when matched with strangers. Mentors are then screened, trained and matched with cadets by the 13th week - the halfway point of the residential phase.

Following the match, mentoring relationships are closely monitored and supported by case managers for 14 months. During this time, mentors are actively involved in assisting cadets in the implementation of a life plan developed during the residential phase.

Mentors provide the continuity that most high impact programs lack. Case managed mentoring relationships help provide a seamless transition for cadets from the residential phase back into the community. As a result, most ChalleNGe Program graduates are employed or in school two and three years after graduation.

>> What are the results of the mentoring component of ChalleNGe?
Research shows that mentoring boosts the Post-Residential success of graduates by 50 percent. Over 85 percent of the cadets engaged in mentoring relationships are productively employed or attending school 12 months after leaving the residential phase of the program.

Longitudinal studies show that ChalleNGe participants are continuing to engage in positive and productive lifestyles two or three years after completing the program. Most continue to benefit from ongoing mentoring relationships.

>> What is the quality of the mentoring in the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program?
The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program meets or exceeds the national mentoring standards established by the National Mentoring Partnership. These standards encompass mentor recruiting, screening, training, matching, monitoring and support.

If you have further questions, please contact info@ngycp.org.

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