[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 102 (Friday, July 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1384]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 NATIONAL GUARD YOUTH CHALLENGE PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD H. BAKER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 19, 2001

  Mr. BAKER. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing legislation to provide 
additional Federal funding for the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe 
Program and invite all my colleagues to join me in sponsoring this 
legislation.
  Our Nation is facing an epidemic in juvenile crime and education 
delinquency of historical proportion. Over 2,806 students drop out of 
high school each day, while another 17,297 students are expelled. 
Dropping out of school and failing to identify or working toward 
achieving personal goals is leading young people down a path of self-
destruction. The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program was created in 
order to help these young people enhance their life skills, increase 
their educational levels, improve their employment potential, and 
provide tools and experience for success.
  Since 1993, over 27,800 at-risk youth have graduated from the 
program, and more than 19,170 of the graduates received their high 
school diploma or GED. The Youth ChalleNGe Program helps 16 to 18 year-
old male and female high school dropouts complete their high school 
education; prepare for employment, higher education, or a career in the 
military; and obtain the skills necessary to succeed in life.
  All troubled youth should have an opportunity to turn their lives 
around and realize success. Unfortunately, because of federal funding 
restraints, only 24 states and Puerto Rico can offer this program. In 
addition, of the states that offer the program, only 37 percent of 
interested young adults who have applied have been able to participate 
because of the lack of funding. Currently, federal law caps federal 
spending for the Youth ChalleNGe Program at $62.5 million. States must 
share 35 percent of the cost while the federal government assumes 65 
percent. By lifting the cap and adjusting the matching requirements, 
thousands of youths could be given the opportunity to participate in 
this program annually.
  The legislation I have drafted will completely eliminate the $62.5 
million cap on Youth ChalleNGe Program spending, remove the mandate 
that directs excess Youth ChalleNGe Program funding to JROTC, and 
adjust the federal/state match from 65/35 to 75/25. I believe this is 
the right thing to do to help America's at-risk youth. This program is 
a success, and its performance outshines virtually every other federal 
program that targets at-risk youth. The benefits are proven and 
substantial. I invite my colleagues to review my legislation, and I 
respectfully request their support.

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