The Virginia Commonwealth Challenge Program

To:          The Virginia General Assembly

From:     The Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Parent Association

Re:       Support for the Virginia National Guard Commonwealth ChalleNGe academy

        Thank you for your continued support of the Virginia National Guard Commonwealth ChalleNGe Program. Nearly 3000 Virginia youth have graduated from Commonwealth Challenge, with literally hundreds being turned away due to insufficient funding. According to the Virginia State Department of Education, the number of high school dropouts in Virginia continues to average around 10,000 annually. Further the Virginia Department of Education%u2019s 2007-2008 Dropout Statistics Report (1/12/2009), reported 10,754 dropouts, the largest rate in years. Therefore, the demand and need for the program continue.

 The Commonwealth ChalleNGe Program is a 17-month program that provides students with the opportunity to develop skills; education and self-discipline needed to succeed as educated adults. Approximately 65% of students enrolled earn a GED. Our graduates performed over 600,000 hours of community service - equal to more than $3 million dollars of direct service to communities. 20% of graduates continued their education, 60% found employment and 20% enlisted in the military. This past year 22 Cadets were granted scholarships provided by private donations to attend State Community Colleges across the Commonwealth.

Nationally, the National Guard ChalleNGe Program is celebrating its sixteen-year anniversary. Since its inception in 1993, the ChalleNGe programs have been the nation's most effective and cost-efficient program for targeting youth who are at the greatest risk for substance abuse, teen pregnancy, delinquency, and involvement in criminal activity. The Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice FY 2007 Statistical Information Report listed over 24,000 juveniles who were placed in pre-disposition placements or committed to State facilities, with another 6,354 placed on probation. According to this same report the cost of holding one juvenile in a corrections facility for one year is $102, 206.00. The cost for one student enrolled in the ChalleNGe Academy is approximately $15,000. The Office of the Secretary of Public Safety %u2013 Report on the Offender Population Forecasts (FY2008-FY2013) reports the average Juvenile State-Responsible Offender Population is 1,013 in FY 2007 with an average to decrease 1.2% (943) by FY 2013. The same report lists the Juvenile Local %u2013 Responsible Offender population as 1,061 in FY 2007 with only a 0.9% (1013) decrease by FY 2013.

The ChalleNGe program is the nation's second largest mentoring program and have partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the National Mentoring Organization to continue the support of cadets.. After graduation each student enters a twelve-month mentoring phase, the mentor maintains weekly contact with the graduate and monthly contact with the ChalleNGe program reporting the graduates' successes.

On behalf of the nearly 3000 graduates of Commonwealth Challenge Program and their parents who make up the Commonwealth Challenge Parent Association, I ask your support to revitalize this tremendously successful, useful and practical program. 

Thank you in advance for all you do for the youth of the Commonwealth and for your continued support of the Virginia National Guard Commonwealth ChalleNGe Program..

Sincerely,

Clarence E. Perry

President,

Commonwealth ChalleNGe Parent Association