FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 25, 2010

Chambliss, Isakson Praise Senate Passage of Measure Recognizing National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe Program
Youth ChalleNGe Reaches At-Risk Youth and Provides Guidance, Encouragement Toward Self-Sufficiency and Success

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today praised the Senate’s passage of a measure they co-sponsored to create “National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Day.”

The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program plays a guiding role in the lives of high school dropouts by helping them to improve their life skills, education levels and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults.

“The ChalleNGe Program provides a strong support system for our at-risk youth,” said Chambliss, a long-time supporter of the program who co-hosted a National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Foundation panel discussion on Capitol Hill Wednesday morning. “Through this program, these kids turn their lives around and grow to become successful adults.”

“The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program provides high school dropouts with the guidance, encouragement and opportunities necessary for self-sufficiency and success,” Isakson said. “I’m pleased the Senate has recognized the important role this program plays in providing assistance to at-risk youth.”

Georgia is home to two National Guard Youth ChalleNGe programs, located at Ft. Stewart and Ft. Gordon. Through military training, supervised work experience and education, these programs help participants obtain a high school diploma or equivalent while also developing leadership skills and promoting fellowship and service to the community.

Established by the National Guard in 1993 to help at-risk youth aged 16-18 who have dropped out or have been expelled from school, the Youth ChalleNGe Program currently operates at 32 program sites in 27 states and the territory of Puerto Rico and is authorized and funded through the Department of Defense.

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