The New Jersey National Guard ChalleNGge Youth Program is seeking applicants for Class #23 scheduled to begin on Sept. 11.  Testing for potential cadets will take place in Newark on Wednesday, June 22 and Wednesday, July 13; in Atlantic City on Friday, June 24; and in Cherry Hill on Wednesday, June 29.

     Interested students / parents should call 1-800-997-5587 to pre-register and get directions to the testing sites.  Applicants must be residents of New Jersey, drug-free, and not currently involved in probation or parole situations.

     Everyone expecting to take the admissions test MUST BE REGISTERED!

     ChalleNGe, now entering its 11th year, is located on the grounds of Fort Dix, New Jersey.   The program provides a second chance to earn a high school diploma to 16-18 year old, New Jersey residents who are no longer enrolled in a traditional high school. or qualifying for a GED (Graduate Equivalency Diploma.)

     Cadets participate in a wide variety of activities that include daily physical training, community service, and developing 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 the GED exam are eligible to receive a State of New Jersey High School Diploma.

     Following Phase II, the initial 22-week residency phase, each cadet is assigned a mentor 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.