MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS
NEWS RELEASE

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Kryn P. Westhoven at 609-530-6942/Cell 609-847-2215 or

Maj. Yvonne Mays at 609-530-6939/cell 609-847-6093

WHO/WHAT: Col. (P) Jorge Martinez of the New Jersey Army National Guard will deliver the keynote address for the New Jersey National Guard ChalleNGe Youth Program's 31st class graduation ceremony as high school diplomas are presented to the 97 cadets representing 11 counties from across the state.

 

WHEN: Saturday, March 20 at 10 a.m.

 

WHERE: War Memorial, Trenton

 

      ChalleNGe provides 16-18 year-old New Jersey residents who did not complete high school a second chance at earning a diploma or qualifying for a GED (Graduate Equivalency Diploma). The program, which is run by the National Guard and is active in 22 states, seeks to identify at-risk teenagers who have dropped out of high school, and gives them the motivation and direction they need to complete their schooling.

Applicants must be New Jersey residents between 16-18 years old, drug-free, and not currently involved in the legal system.

 

    Cadets participate in a wide variety of activities to include daily physical training, community service and vocational training. The academic courses emphasize reading, writing, mathematics, computer skills, citizenship and social studies.

 

      Cadets who successfully complete the requirements 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 through a combination of personal visits, e-mails and phone calls.