[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1202 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                         July 22, 2008.
Whereas many of America's youth who drop out of high school need avenues, 
        guidance, and encouragement toward self-sufficiency and success;
Whereas 1,200,000 students drop out of high school each year, costing the Nation 
        more than $309,000,000,000 in lost wages, revenues, and productivity 
        over students' lifetimes;
Whereas 33,000,000 Americans ages 16 to 24 do not have a high school degree;
Whereas high school dropouts can expect to earn about $19,000 per year compared 
        to $28,000 for high school graduates;
Whereas nearly 30 percent are unemployed and 24 percent are on welfare;
Whereas approximately 67 percent of Americans in prison are high school 
        dropouts;
Whereas the goal of the National Guard Youth Challenge Foundation, a nonprofit 
        501(c)(3) organization, is to improve the education, life skills, and 
        employment potential of America's high school dropouts though public 
        awareness, scholarships, higher education assistance, mentoring, and job 
        development programs;
Whereas the National Guard Youth Challenge Program provides military-based 
        training, supervised work experience, assistance in obtaining a high 
        school diploma or equivalent, development of leadership qualities, 
        promotion of citizenship, fellowship, service to community, life skills 
        training, health and physical education, positive relationships with 
        adults and peers, and career planning;
Whereas the National Guard Youth Challenge Program represents a successful joint 
        effort between Federal and State governments;
Whereas since 1993, the National Guard Youth Challenge Program has grown to 35 
        sites in 28 States, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia;
Whereas since 1993, over 77,100 students have successfully graduated from the 
        program, of whom 80 percent earned their high school diploma or GED, 26 
        percent entered college, 18 percent entered the military, and 56 percent 
        joined the workforce in career jobs;
Whereas the National Guard Youth Challenge Program has successfully helped our 
        Nation's dropouts; and
Whereas the National Guard Youth Challenge Program can play a larger role in 
        serving and helping America's youth: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of a National Guard Youth 
        Challenge Day; and
            (2) calls upon the people of the United States to observe such a day 
        with appropriate ceremonies and respect.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.