The ChalleNGe Program is designed around an intervention model built on eight core components needed for successful living. The eight core components of the intervention model focus on the holistic development of the participants. Much of a corpsmember`s skill development process is based on deliberate experiential learning situations created by the staff. The eight core components and performance measures associated with each component are listed below.
Life Coping Skills...
This is one of the most all-encompassing objectives of the academy. It involves the understanding of basic economics and personal coping strategies (i.e. ability to deal with emotions such as anger, grief), conflict resolution strategies and the ability to set and achieve goals.
Educational Excellence...
Within the educational excellence component, cadets are encouraged to increase their educational grade level or obtain their GED. They are coached on strategies for continuing their education or obtaining verifiable employment. Academic achievement is improved through preparation and administration of TABE (Test for Adult Basic Education), the OPT (Official Practice Test), and GED. If eligible, students will take the GED prior to graduation from the residential phase.
Responsible Citizenship...
Component includes education regarding the U.S. government, Constitution, individual rights/privileges/obligations of citizenship; participation in student government; voter registration; and selective service registration. This will enable Cadets to have a basic understanding of the Constitution and U.S. Government. It includes an understanding of the election and voting process. Students participating in the student government accomplish this by serving as a committee member or a student government officer.
Health, Hygiene and Sex Education...
This consists of the Cadet demonstrating an understanding of substance abuse on physical health and well being. They must show an understanding of proper nutrition, sexually transmitted diseases and the importance of achieving good health. Component includes education pertaining to hygiene, substance abuse, nutrition, and First Aid and CPR training.
Job Skills Training...
Cadets are trained in the art of making themselves more marketable for job hunting. Cadets are instructed how to obtain a job to maintaining employment. Some specific skills that are emphasized are: completing a job application, constructing a suitable resume, responding to employment ads, understanding of work ethics, job shadowing, and appropriate appearance and behavior during job interviews. The Cadet must demonstrate knowledge and skills required to seek, obtain and maintain employment not only during the Residential Phase but through the Post Residential Phase.
Physical Fitness...
Component includes physical health based on fitness concepts, physical training, team sports and the President`s Council on Physical Fitness Test.
Leadership and Followership...
Objective concerns several aspects of leadership. The Cadet will hold a leadership position on their platoon. They must show evidence of personal motivation and self-discipline on a continuing basis. Cadets must demonstrate moral and ethical leadership skills, good citizen values, respect for oneself and others, honesty and loyalty. Cadets are evaluated based on their performance within various positions held within student command structure and leadership skills, traits, dimensions, and components.
Service to Community...
This is designed to give Cadets an understanding of their role as a community member or a student government officer. Cadets are taught that part of being a responsible citizen is giving back to the community. While at HYCP, cadets are required to complete 40 hours of community service activities, participate in planning a community service project, and demonstrate an awareness of the value of giving back to their community in service.