Focus On Youth: Dec. 30, 2009

Published 2:11 am Wednesday, December 30, 2009

REDMOND – Justin Cannon and Jontay Faro of Pendleton and John Gonzalez of Milton-Freewater graduated from the Oregon National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program (OYCP), a statewide alternative high school, Dec. 16, 2009, at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond. Graduation indicates the completion of the five-month residential phase of the program. A total of 122 cadets graduated during the ceremony.

During the program, cadets earn their diploma, GED or enough credits to re-enter high school and graduate with their classes. The OYCP program is cost-free to cadets and their families and has successfully graduated more than 3,900 cadets since its inception in 1994.

Oregon State Representative Judy Stiegler was the keynote speaker for the graduation, which drew participants from across the state. Bend-LaPine School District Superintendent, Ron Wilkinson was also in attendance. This special event drew more than 800 family members, friends and community supporters of the graduating cadets. 

Cadets work through two phases beginning with this intensive, five-month residential program during which they cultivate life-coping skills, perform community service work and attend academic classes. While in the program, cadets also develop life plans to outline clear and organized steps for continuing along the path of success after graduation. This phase of the program is followed by one year of mentoring with an adult who is trained by the program and selected by the cadet. During this time, the cadets receive encouragement and support in implementing their life plans as they re-enter their home environments.  

Since 1994, more than 3,900 cadets from urban and rural areas of Oregon have entered the OYCP. The voluntary 17-month program provides youth who are at risk of not completing their high school education, both male and female, ages 16 to 18, with a second chance to succeed. Details about the Oregon National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program are available at www.oycp.com or by phoning 541-317-9623.