National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program
About the Intervention
The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program is a 17-month intensive residential program for high school dropouts ages 16-18. The program consists of three phases: a two-week Pre-ChalleNGe orientation and assessment period, a 20-week Residential Phase built around eight core components (Leadership/Followership, Responsible Citizenship, Service to Community, Life-Coping Skills, Physical Fitness, Health and Hygiene, Job Skills, and Academic Excellence), and a one-year Postresidential Phase featuring structured mentoring. During the first two phases, participants live at the program site in a quasi-military environment with military-style discipline, though there are no requirements for military service. The program aims to help young people obtain a high school diploma or GED, develop life skills, improve physical fitness, and prepare for employment, education, or military service. The Postresidential Phase distinguishes ChalleNGe from most residential programs by providing ongoing mentoring support to help participants maintain new attitudes and behaviors when they return to their communities.
Statistical Findings
Positive effect: on earning high school diploma or GED
Positive effect: on college enrollment
Positive effect: on full-time employment
Negative effect: on high school enrollment
Positive effect: on job training participation
Negative effect: on arrests
Negative effect: on convictions
Negative effect: on incarceration
Positive effect: on self-reported health
Negative effect: on obesity
Positive effect: on self-efficacy
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
Drop-Outs, Social-Emotional LearningPrograms & Services
Alternative Education, General EducationDelivery Methods
Face-to-FaceDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s)Citation
Bloom, D., Gardenhire-Crooks, A. & Mandsager, C. (2009). Reengaging High School Dropouts: Early Results of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program Evaluation. Full Report (ED504645). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED504645.pdf.
Study Demographics
These charts show the demographic makeup and geographic setting of the research study that evaluated this intervention's efficacy. When assessing the fit of an intervention, consider whether it was found effective in a context similar to your own.
Participant Race
What was the racial breakdown of this study's data sample?
Participant Gender
What was the gender breakdown of this study's data sample?
Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
What was the setting of this study?