Idaho Youth Challenge Foundation Inc

One of the major social challenges facing the nation today is the plight of teenagers who drop out of high school before graduation.  Every day, over 5,000 students drop out of high school in this country – that amounts to more than one million dropouts every year.  In May 2006, in a Time Magazine cover story, the editors deemed America a “Drop Out Nation.”

How Your Donations Are Used

100% of your donation goes to support the activities and needs of the youth of the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy. Some of the needs met with prior donations include:

• New Gym Floor
• 30KW Generator
• Toiletries and supplies for youth not able to afford them.
• Books & school supplies
• Attending special events
• Commencement expenses

About the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy

The Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy (IDYCA) is a volunteer program for 16 to 18 year old teens that are at risk of dropping out or that have already dropped out of high school.  The program is open to all students, without regard to race, sex, religious affiliation or household income.   The goal of the program is to give youth a second chance to become responsible and productive citizens by helping them improve their life skills, education levels, and employment potential.  The program incorporates a highly structured format, with an emphasis on student discipline and personal responsibility, to provide a positive, safe, and secure learning environment.

A division of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, the IDYCA was established under authority of both federal and state law.  As a state-run residential and post-residential intervention, the program requires a 17 1/2 month commitment and is divided into two phases. The Residential Phase begins with a two-week “Acclimation Period” where staff works with new teens to see if they have the right stuff to become cadets.  During the remaining 5 months of the Residential Phase, youth work on improving in each of the Eight Core Components, and build a set of goals called a Post Residential Action Plan (PRAP) with the help of their adult, volunteer mentor.   If youth complete this phase, they participate in a commencement ceremony, and enter the Post Residential Phase.

Idaho Academy Success Stories

To view personal Idaho Cadet Success Stories, please visit the Academy's page at: http://www.idyouthchallenge.com/success-stories/

National Program Success Statistics

• Over 60% of 2009 ChalleNGe graduates received their high school diploma or GED.
• Over 50% joined the work force.
• 14% joined the military.
• Nearly 28% continued their education.
• Program participants have donated well over 5 million hours of community service during the program's 16-year duration.
• Programs have awarded graduates nearly 50,000 academic credentials since 1993. Over 100,000 teens have graduated.