Opportunities for High School Dropouts
The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program
The National Guard Youth Foundation (NGYF) supports the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program by providing scholarships, training, and workforce transition assistance to graduates of the ChalleNGe Program.
The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program provides opportunities to young people who have dropped out of school or who are at risk of dropping out of school. Founded in 1993, the program gives troubled youth the opportunity to turn their lives around. Sixteen- to18-year-old male and female high school dropouts are eligible to apply for the 17-month program, which includes a five-month residential phase followed by a 12-month mentoring phase.
“On Wednesday, May 18, 2011, one of Charles Wilson’s dreams became a reality.
A former high school dropout, Cadet First Class Wilson walked across the stage at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy last week to receive his diploma and shook hands with the President of the United States.” Read more…
The ChalleNGe Program operates in 27 states and one territory. A few states without programs arrange to send students to bordering state programs. For example, students from DC can attend the Maryland ChalleNGe Program and students from Nevada can attend in Arizona.
Eligibility Requirements:
- 16 – 18 years of age and enter the program prior to the 19th birthday
- A high school dropout/expellee
- A citizen or legal resident of the United States and resident of the state in which the program is conducted
- Unemployed
- Not currently on parole or probation for anything other than juvenile status offenses. Not serving time or awaiting sentencing, not under indictment or charged, not convicted of a felony or capital offense.
- Drug free
See the states offering programs…
The Job Corps
The Job Corps is a free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. For eligible young people at least 16 years of age that qualify as low income, Job Corps provides the all-around skills need to succeed in a career and in life.
Go to the follow website to find a Job Corps center near you…