Accomplishment finally came to Bonner Saturday, July 21, in the form of a 60-foot rappel from one of Camp Atterbury’s training towers, the final test in a two-week pre-challenge as part of the Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy. Confident that he can do whatever he puts his mind to, Bonner said that he is now on his way to pursuing his dream of joining the Navy.

Founded last March by Gov. Mitch Daniels and Indiana Adjutant General Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, the Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy is Indiana’s answer to a growing trend of youthful dropouts and other behavior problems.

As part of the larger National Youth ChalleNGe Program, the academy targets teen dropouts ages 16-18 who are willing to change their undisciplined lifestyles through a 17-month program consisting of three phases. Saturday was a landmark for Indiana, as a class 65 candidates graduated from the academy’s first official pre-challenge phase.

The pre-challenge phase consists of a two-week residential course at the academy, located across from Camp Atterbury’s main gates near Edinburgh, Ind. During that time, “Candidates” are given structure and discipline through implementation of quasi-military standards within a stable environment.

Candidates wake up early in the morning, conduct physical training, learn drill and ceremony, participate in team-building exercises and maintain high levels of respect and self-discipline. Through the entire process, the academy upholds a zero-tolerance policy for disrespect and violence.

Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy 1st Sgt. Steve Spaulding said the pre-challenge phase is by far the hardest for Candidates since it requires them to make such a substantial adjustment in how they conduct themselves.

“The pre-challenge is the most authoritarian of all phases,” he said. “If they get past this point, then we’ve set the foundation for the next five months.”

Spaulding said that he has already seen a marked improvement among enrollees despite the fact that they have a long way to go before they graduate the program.

“They’ve made a heck of a transition so far,” Spaulding said. “Two weeks ago, all they wanted to do was fight and go home. Now we’ve got 65 candidates that want to be here.”

Following Saturday’s graduation ceremony, the 65 individuals, now graduated to Cadets, will immediately begin Monday with the next phase, a five-month residential challenge phase focused on preparing them academically for their GED tests.

The challenge phase also teaches Cadets job and life coping skills, as well as excellence through community service. The final phase consists of a 12-month post graduation phase where they return home under the supervision of an adult mentor.

 A program that works

The need for the Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy has been one long anticipated, according to state statistics. In a September 2006 study by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, more than 20,000 Indiana students drop out annually, with “No indication of steady improvement.” It goes without saying that such a rate results in a significant economic impact on Indiana.

“We want to make productive citizens that are an active part of the community, not a burden,” said retired Col. Wayne Hill, director of the Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy.

According to the Department of Labor, individuals with a GED earn 27 percent more than those without. Through the National Youth ChalleNGe Program, 69 percent of 2005’s graduating Cadets went on to receive their academic credentials. Additionally, 554,557 hours of community service were performed nationally by Cadets, providing nearly $2.9 million worth of services to communities participating in the program.

The Youth ChalleNGe Program is also cheaper compared to those targeting similar demographics. According to the program’s 2005 Annual Report, daily costs of $29 per capita show a stark contrast between the Job Corps’ cost of $87, and only one-sixth the cost of $174 for correctional programs.

Still, success with the program can’t be measured in numbers, but rather in the individual. In the case of Cadet Bonner, the proof is in his new attitude.

“I feel a lot more confident in myself,” he said. “This has been a real challenge, but I know that is will be a lot smoother as we move forward. It’s been about five years since I’ve really felt like I’ve accomplished something, and now I feel it.”

“I’ve been in other programs in the past,” Bonner added. “But this is the most successful.

For more information on enrollment eligibility and mentor opportunities, contact Joy Spruill at 812-314-8203 or online at joy.spruill@us.army.mil.