About Seaborne ChalleNGe Corps

The Seaborne ChalleNGe Corps was an initiative of Texas A&M University at Galveston and is now operated by the Texas National Guard. The program provides education, training, career development and service to the community for at risk youth aged 16-18 who are not performing well in high school. Seaborne addresses the distressing economic and social problems that result when students drop out of school. The Seaborne ChalleNGe Corps, now in its tenth year, was incorporated into the National Guard Bureau's National Youth ChalleNGe Program in July 1999 as the program's 26th state. Funding comes from the federal government, matching funds from the State of Texas, and private foundations.

The 17 1/2 month program is organized into two phases.  During the Residential Phase the students actually live on the Seaborne campus for 5 1/2 months while undergoing training and completing the curriculum.  The first four weeks is called "Pre-ChalleNGe" where students become acquainted with their new living arrangements, and the rules and expectations of the ChalleNGe program.  Students that pass Pre-ChalleNGe are then invited to continue their education and training for the remaining 18 weeks, called "ChalleNGe."   Students who graduate from the Residential Phase then return to their hometowns and pursue education, employment, or military goals they have set for themselves with the help of an adult mentor from their community.  This remaining 12 months is called the Post Residential Phase.

Click here for a highlight on graduate Larry Rodriguez on the national ChalleNGe site!