National Guard ChalleNGe Program
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
A notable achievement in FY25 was the launch of the Sooner Job ChalleNGe program in Oklahoma. This new initiative, a 20-week in-resident program, provides graduates of the Thunderbird ChalleNGe program with valuable career training and job placement assistance, further enhancing their prospects for long-term success. The first class of the Sooner Job ChalleNGe program began in January 2025.
Throughout FY25, the various state programs, such as the Texas ChalleNGe Academy and the Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy, continued to help cadets earn their GEDs or high school diplomas, recover credits, and develop essential life skills through the program's eight core components.
The program's commitment to mentorship was also a key factor in the graduates' success, with a 12-month post-residential phase providing ongoing support from trained mentors.
State-level budget proposals for FY26 indicate a continued commitment to the program. For example, the Maryland Military Department's budget for FY26 includes significant funding to support a full cohort of 300 cadets at the Freestate ChalleNGe Academy.
Similarly, the Delaware National Guard's FY26 budget recommendations support the continued operation of their Youth ChalleNGe Program.
The program will continue to focus on its core mission of intervention and reclamation of the lives of 16 to 18-year-old high school dropouts. The 17.5-month program, consisting of a 5.5-month residential phase and a 12-month post-residential mentorship phase, remains the cornerstone of this effort.
The program will also continue to emphasize its eight core components: academic excellence, life-coping skills, job skills, health and hygiene, responsible citizenship, service to community, leadership/followership, and physical fitness.
The development and expansion of the Job ChalleNGe programs, which provide vocational training to Youth ChalleNGe graduates, will also be a key focus in FY26.
Program Objective
This is a non discretionary program. The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, has authorized the conduct of this Program, and the use of the National Guard to provide military-based training, including supervised work experience in service to the community and conservation projects, for civilian youth who are credit deficient and/or cease to attend secondary school before graduating so as to improve the life skills and employment potential of such youth.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- U.S. Territory Government
This is a non-discretionary program. The Secretary of Defense shall provide for the conduct of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program in such States and U.S. territories and possessions as the Secretary considers to be appropriate.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
After Congress authorizes, approves, and appropriates funds for the project and the National Guard Bureau reviews and approves all necessary plans, specifications, bidding documents, contracts and other documentation, the award will be executed by the Grant Officer.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 60 to 90 days
This is a non-discretionary program. NGB Youth ChalleNGe Cooperative Agreements are Congressionally directed assistance to the 50 States, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Guam National Guard. These are the only allowable applicants. The Recipient must work through their Adjutant General, who will work with the USPFO to obtain approval to have this program.
Program details & compliance
Description
This is a non discretionary program. The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, has authorized the conduct of this Program, and the use of the National Guard to provide military-based training, including supervised work experience in service to the community and conservation projects, for civilian youth who are credit deficient and/or cease to attend secondary school before graduating so as to improve the life skills and employment potential of such youth.
Mission Categories
Primary: Youth Services
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
This is a non-discretionary program. To carry out the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program in a State, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam or the District of Columbia, the Secretary of Defense shall enter into an agreement with the Governor of the State, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, or, in the case of the District of Columbia, with the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, under which the Governor or the commanding general will establish, organize, and administer the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program in the State. The agreement may provide for the Secretary to provide funds to the recipient for costs associated with the management of the program to include but not limited to such costs as civilian personnel costs attributable to the use of civilian employees of the National Guard. facilities maintenance and upkeep. etc. in the conduct of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program.
Required Documentation
This is a non-discretionary program. Must be one of the 50 States, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, or Guam, and apply through the State Adjutant General's Office to the USPFO through National Guard.
Matching Requirements
NGB is authorized to contribute assistance in the form of Federal funds to the Recipient for authorized activities under this award. NGB will provide 75% cost share support within our funding limitations. The Federal/Non-Federal cost share amount is indicated in Division I, Section 19 of this CA Award.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements