Youth ChalleNGe Puerto Rico

A part of Puerto Rico's National Guard civil mission is to help school dropouts between the ages of 16 - 18. Consideration was given to the fact that this population has become America's high-risk citizen (ChalleNGe book 1999). To provide major comprehension to these citizens, a rigorous "rescue" program was conceived. In 1992, US Congress authorized the National Guard Bureau (NGB) to conduct a pilot program named "ChalleNGe", across 32 states in the entire nation.

After the extraordinary results achieved by the program, Puerto Rico's National Guard incorporated the ChalleNGe program. This was considering that the results being achieved were similar to those obtained in programs, such as Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). ChalleNGe began its duties in 1999.

Between the outcomes obtained, it's significant to mention that in the 3 phases of the ChalleNGe program, 70% of the particpants gets their High School Diploma.

Community Service

In addition to the academic portion of the program, cadets are required to perform community service in an attempt to promote community spirit. With each class cycle, the number of community service projects has increased to a point that now allows more diverse activities for the cadet population. As cadets work in the community, positive recognition to the cadets and the program is developed.

CHALLENGE_PRESENTATION(PPT)
 

Class 2007-01