Sponsor Statement for SJR 7

Supporting continued funding of the Alaska National Guard Youth Corps Challenge Program

I introduced Senate Joint Resolution No. 7 to send a strong message of support for the National Guard Youth Corps ChalleNGe Program to the U. S. Congress. The ChalleNGe Program is a 17.5 month intervention/prevention program for teenagers that are statistically "at risk" to become unemployed welfare recipients and criminals of the future. The program consists of two parts, a 22 week military residential phase at Camp Carroll on Fort Richardson and a 12 month post-residential phase. The ChalleNGe Program has shown strong success with its first four years of operations, 85% of graduates are in school furthering their education and/or working 12 months after graduation from the program.

The ChalleNGe Program has been funded 100% by the federal government since its inception.

Authorized budgets in thousands:

• FY 94 $2,120
• FY 95 $3,120.5
• FY 96 $3,120.5
• FY 97 $3,120.5
• FY 98 request $3,120.5 federal and $250.00 state general fund

The funding is scheduled to end on September 30, 1997. The state has budgeted a portion of the cost of continuing this program and I believe that it is important to let Congress know that the program is supported by the Alaska State Legislature.