Crapo, Risch Recognize 30th Anniversary of National Guard Youth Challenge Program

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) joined in introducing a resolution recognizing the 30th anniversary of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program (NGYCP).  The resolution recognizes the NGYCP’s 30 years of successfully developing at-risk youth in our communities, commends the accomplishments of the program’s graduates, and reaffirms the Senate’s commitment to supporting the program’s work developing our nation’s most at-risk youth.

NGYCP has 39 Youth Challenge Program locations, including Idaho, and has been responsible for the graduation of over 200,000 Youth Challenge and Job Challenge Program participants.

“Idaho proudly continues to support the Youth Challenge Program and applauds the great impact it has had on the lives of many of Idaho’s young people,” said Crapo.  “Investments in these programs are investments in the future economy, education and national security of our country.”

“The Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy is one of the nation’s top programs for at-risk youth and offers students a second chance to develop the skills and self-discipline needed to become productive members of our communities,” said Risch.  “I’m proud to join my colleagues in honoring the 30th Anniversary of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program.”

The Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy (IDYCA), as part of the NGYCP, is operated through a Cooperative Agreement between the National Guard Bureau and the State of Idaho.  IDYCA is a volunteer program for 15-1/2 to 18-year-old teens that are at risk of dropping out or that have already dropped out of high school.  The goal of the program is to give youth a second chance to become responsible and productive citizens by helping them improve their life skills, education levels, and employment potential. 

“The tremendous success of the Idaho Youth Challenge Program is due in large part to the support from our leadership at both the state and national level,” said Adjutant General of Idaho and the Commanding General of the Idaho National Guard Michael Garshak.  “We are truly thankful for that support and for the opportunity to continue enriching the lives of Idaho’s youth by fostering their drive to be successful and productive citizens.”

The first IDYCA class began January 2014.  Since then, the program has had 1,833 graduates, issued 231 high school diplomas, had 171 GED completions while in-residence and had 178 graduates enlisted in the military.