Congressman McNerney Brings Home Funding for National Guard Youth Challenge Program

Press Release

Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) today announced that because of his efforts the California National Guard will open and operate a third location of its successful Youth ChalleNGe Program to be located in San Joaquin County.

Congressman McNerney successfully advocated for additional funding for the program in Congress last year, obtaining at $10 million increase. This month he sent a letter to California legislators asking them to approve state matching funds. This week the California state Senate gave final approval to an additional $1.5 million for the program, and the governor is expected to sign the bill before July 1.

"I'm proud to support California National Guard's Youth ChalleNGe program and I am more than pleased that they will be opening a branch here in San Joaquin County," said Rep. McNerney. "Youth ChalleNGe is a highly successful program that gives young people who have started down the wrong path and want to change an opportunity for a second chance, as well as providing them with the skills they need to become productive and respected members of the community."

Participants in the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program take part in a half-year residential program on active or closed National Guard bases, a National Guard training center, or a school campus. Following this residential phase the participants return to their communities and take part in a 12 month mentoring program. Each class averages 100 participants and the program has produced over 121,000 graduates since its inception in 1993.

The Youth ChalleNGe program currently operates in 27 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. It is funded through a federal/state partnership, with the federal government contributing 75 percent of the operating costs. The program gives candidates a physical fitness regimen, instills a code of conduct, has them complete community service, and provides an academic program that prepares candidates for the G.E.D. given at the end of the Residential Phase. Candidates also develop a Life Plan that outlines their 12-month post-residential plan. The 12-month Post-Residential Phase ensures that mentors, matched with cadets during the residential phase, play a critical role in ensuring their continued success in college, the military or other opportunities.

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