2006 WVNG Annual Report PDF - West Virginia Army National Guard

West Virginia National Guard Annual Report 2006Mountaineer ChalleNGe AcademyMountaineer ChalleNGe Academy has graduated 1,637 students in 13 successful years.The Academy continues to operate on a $2.8 million budget - 60 percent federal and 40percent state funds. Recognition as aSpecial Alternative Education Programwithin the West Virginia State School Lawis helping build a bridge for at-risk teens.This cooperative designation makes iteasier for public schools to refer studentsand then "reclaim" them after studentscomplete the ChalleNGe Program.The ChalleNGe Program is unique.There is no other program or school in thestate that offers an educational opportunitywith military structure or mentoring component.During the one-year post-residentialphase of the program, trained volunteermentors in the Cadet's home communitiesassist MCA graduates.MCA Graduates:43% enter the workforce19% join the armed forces16% attend vocational training10% return to high school9% go on to college4% are in transitionOver 10,300 hours of community service have been donated by Cadets to local communitygroups under Service To Community, one of the program's Eight Core Components.Those benefiting from Cadet support include Heartland of Preston County, Arthurdale HeritageIncorporated, The McGrew Society, Preston County Animal Shelter, and the WV BotanicalGardens. Kasson Elementary School named the Academy a "Partner in Education" for continuingwork with the school physicaleducation program and facilities upgrades.Pillars of Strength Awards werepresented by the Academy to acknowledgecontributions of groups and individualswho helped ChalleNGe meet theprogram's mission. Receiving recognitionwere Trout For Cheat, Inc. for Service toCommunity opportunities and Mrs.Roberta Knotts, manager of KingwoodPizza Hut, for Cadet Support.65