The Government Accountability Office is calling for action and more oversight.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A National Guard-run program designed to lift up at-risk teenagers is being questioned.
The “Youth Challenge” initiative has helped tens of thousands of young people across the country and here in Hampton Roads.
But now, the Government Accountability Office has uncovered “systematic problems” such as under-staffing and is calling for more oversight.
The National Guard Youth Challenge Program has helped more than 200,000 teens ages 15 years, eight months to 18 earn their high school diploma or GED and become productive citizens by offering military-like training and classes at 39 program sites in the U.S.
Established in 1994, the voluntary, free “Commonwealth ChalleNGe” is the Virginia component of the Congressionally authorized national program, designed to promote academics, attention to detail, time management, and leadership while promoting self-esteem, confidence and pride.
The Commonwealth Challenge youth academy, run by the Virginia National Guard is now in its 30th …
