|
Abstract:
This program, sponsored by the National Guard is available in approximately
30 states. In California, the Youth ChalleNGe program was started
as a county-authorized charter school -- a joint effort of the Department
of Education and National Guard. The program has 3 parts: 1) a 2
week trial period, and students can opt in or out after this, 2)
a 6 week residential program that is very structured and has 7 strands
of activities including an emphasis on education, physical fitness,
leadership and career planning, and then 3) a year-long follow-up
program with a mentor from the students home community to help the
student stay on career plan for the following year.
This program would serve 100 students
every six months, or 200 students a year and would like to serve
students from Vermont and Maine if spaces are available.
Also, this program is federally-funded
with a 40% matching program, annually. Matching by the state of
New Hampshire could included such items as: 1) adequacy funding
for any public school student in NH, 2) any in kind services or
facilities, e.g. a public school or state or land to use, 3) any
services provided by anyone instate, 4) lowered cost of rental,
e.g. if the space available is typically rented for $15 sq/foot,
and the program can rent for $8.00 square foot, the reduction can
count as matching. This program is estimated to have a 2.8 million
budget per year and would bring 28-30 federally-funded teaching
and support positions to NH.
People have noted that federal funds
are, of course, our tax dollars. It should be noted that drop-outs
have 50% lifetime earning potential of students who graduated from
high school, one goal of the program. Drop-outs have a 6x likelihood
to be incarcerated, (tax supported) and 4x the likelihood to use
or need welfare or similar public services. We currently spend in
NH approximately $10,000/year per student on public education so
for each student dropping out we have invested $40-50,000 already
for which there is little long term benefit. This program cost per
is $12,000. National statistics suggest that following this program
1/3 of students graduate from high school and go on to college;
1/3 go back to their communities and into the workforce, and 1/3
enter the military. High school completion is the goal that makes
this program so potentially beneficial as a choice school for students
who want to make a second chance.
This program hopes to locate in
a rural area of New Hampshire. Their space needs included some way
to carve out 10 offices and open barrack space for 4 dorms with
35 people each.
For more information, contact Susan
Hollins who will forward information to the current NG contact
person.
|
