The New Jersey National Guard ChalleNGe Youth Program was recently recognized for its outstanding contributions to community service at Fort Dix during the Army Community Service (ACS) Luncheon on April 27.

      The program's Director, Col. (Ret) Kenneth J. Prossick, received Certificates of Appreciation from Fort Dix for volunteerism while ChalleNGe was recognized for the outstanding volunteer efforts of the ChalleNGe cadets and staff from April 2004 - March 2005.  The hard-working young men and women cadets specifically were cited for their dedication and commitment to volunteer services in such activities as Family Fun Fest and shoveling out vital locations such as the Red Cross, Wurman Hall, the Post Library, the Post Chapel, in addition to many other facilities that were snowbound following major snow storms.

      New Jersey is one of only 25 states to have an active ChalleNGe program.  The program, now entering its 11-year, is located on the grounds of Fort Dix, N.J. and provides 16-18 year-old residents of New Jersey who have not completed high school a second chance at earning a high school diploma.  There is no cost to cadets who are accepted into the program. Applicants must be residents of New Jersey, drug-free, and not currently involved in probation or parole situations.

      Cadets participate in a wide variety of activities to include daily physical training, community service, and develop better life-coping skills.  The academic courses emphasize reading, writing, mathematics, science, computer skills, citizenship, and social studies.   Cadets who successfully complete the requirements and pass a GED (Graduate Equivalency Diploma) exam are eligible to receive a State of New Jersey High School Diploma.

      Following Phase I, the initial 22-week residency phase, cadets are assigned mentors for an additional 12 months to provide continued guidance and direction in their home communities through a combination of personal visits, e-mails, and phone calls.  For additional information, please visit the ChalleNGe website at: www.state.nj.us/military/challenge.