This resolution acknowledges the National Guard Youth Challenge Program's thirty years of successful at-risk youth development in our communities.

In recognition of the National Guard teenagers Challenge Program's (NGYCP) thirty years of providing at-risk teenagers between the ages of 16 and 18 with effective, free, alternative education and structured discipline. Over 200,000 participants in the Youth Challenge and Job Challenge Programs have graduated from NGYCP's 39 Youth Challenge Program locations across 28 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. In addition, nearly 184,000 cadets have received credentials through the program since its inception in 1993 (credentials include the High School Equivalency Diploma, High School Diploma, High School Credit, College Credit, Job Certifications, and Apprenticeships). Over 8,000 cadets receive opportunities to excel through the NGYCP each year outside of the typical high school setting. The creative ideas behind using a "whole person" intervention paradigm to help a generation of kids affected by gangs, violence, high dropout rates, and drug abuse gave birth to the NGYCP. The program, which is supported by a Department of Defense-state cost-share, provides at-risk youngsters with an exceptional chance to alter their direction at a pivotal point in their lives. The multi-phased NGYCP combines character development, resilience, educational instruction, learning, and mentorship with quasi-military discipline and training. The eight main areas of life coping skills, leadership/followership, community service, career skills, academic excellence, responsible citizenship, health/hygiene, and physical education are the emphasis of a five-and-a-half-month residential program. These fundamental elements are built upon in a subsequent, post-residential 12-month mentoring period, which aids in transforming graduates into responsible citizens.

The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States recommends to the Congress of the United States legislation in support of Honoring the 30th Anniversary of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program.