We need at least one Youth ChalleNGe Program in every state, and many of the 27 states (and Puerto Rico) with programs desperately need to expand to meet the growing demand. Nearly six of 10 of the young people who now apply to a Youth ChalleNGe Program are turned away because there is no room. The primary goal of the Foundation is to ensure that every child gets a second chance.

The Foundation's national public awareness campaign, "Voices of ChalleNGe," tells the positive stories of the students, parents, mentors and staff of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program to the media, the public, Members of Congress and state and national leaders. Our Honorary Board and Celebrity Council of prominent, highly respected and diverse Americans help in the campaign. The goal is to educate Americans about the positive impact of the Program and build support critically needed for expansion.

The Program is funded by a federal-state government ratio (60%-40%). The Foundation supports legislation to add funding for additional programs and to change the funding ratio to lessen the state financial burden.

An independent study rates ChalleNGe one of the most cost-effective programs of its kind. Compare current costs of $14,000 to graduate a student from the Program versus $40,000 to incarcerate a young person for that same period of time. High school dropouts account for 68% of those in prison. Each year, ChalleNGe saves the government an average of $109 million by educating young people instead of incarcerating them. Program graduates also contribute $16.2 million in service to community and as much as $39 million in additional tax revenue by entering the workforce.

To join the effort to increase federal funding for the Program, click here to send a message to Congress voicing your support.

Individuals, foundations, corporations and universities can make a tax-deductible donation, create a scholarship fund, and/or provide job training and employment opportunities for ChalleNGe graduates. To make a donation or request further information on how you can support the Foundation's efforts, click here.

Only half of the programs currently have enough mentors to assign to each student. The Foundation is seeking local officials, civic groups, business leaders and individuals to volunteer as mentors for ChalleNGe students.

Mentoring is key to the success of the Youth ChalleNGe Program. The ChalleNGe mentoring model is a "friendly match" in which the youth identifies someone who will be a friend and support system for him or her during the 12-month post-residential phase. This ensures that mentors will play an ongoing role in the student's life, in the Program, and very often, beyond. However, not all students are able to identify a friendly match, so the programs are often in need of additional mentors.

Potential mentors are screened and trained prior to being matched with their students mid-way through the residential phase. Mentors are required to have four monthly contacts with the cadet and one meeting in person. Mentors and students discuss the student's future plans and spend off-site time together, often providing service to the community or exploring job and school options.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor or learning more about mentoring opportunities, click here.