For Graduates: Scholarships and the Career Development Program
For the most up-to-date information on scholarships, internships or job opportunities for Youth ChalleNGe graduates, keep in touch with us on our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter @NGYFoundation, or sign up for the newsletter, here.
Scholarships
As a result of the tremendous support the Foundation receives from our sponsors and partners, we have established several scholarship programs to assist graduates of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Programs who plan to continue their education in college, vocational school programs, or career training.
The Competitive Scholarship Program
ChalleNGe graduates can apply for the $5,000 scholarship renewable over four years (up to $20,000 total) or the $3,000 scholarship renewable over two years (up to $6,000 total) for full-time study at an accredited institution of the student’s choice.
If you graduated from your Youth ChalleNGe Program less than 18 months ago, you are eligible to apply for the latest scholarship from the Foundation. Applications must be submitted to the program director of the Youth ChalleNGe Program from which you graduated. The scholarship competition is held twice a year.
The letter of reference should be submitted by your mentor. If you are beyond six months post-residential and unable to obtain a letter from your mentor, a letter of reference from a college professor, employer, or ChalleNGe staff member may be acceptable. Letters of reference from friends or family members will not be accepted.
Your application for the Spring 2013 NGYF Scholarship Competition is due to your program director no later than Friday, April 19th. The scholarship guidelines can be found here. Click here for the scholarship application.
Cadet of the Month: Did your program director ask you to fill out a Cadet of the Month application? You can download it here.
Career Development Program
"Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." ~Theodore Roosevelt
The Foundation is committed to helping graduates of the Youth ChalleNGe Program remain on track toward a productive and successful life once they leave the residential phase of the program. Through its Career Development Program, the Foundation matches graduates in need of career exploration opportunities and work-based learning with local employers seeking to offer meaningful employment.
In addition to facilitating paid internships with our corporate partners, the CDP helps graduates prepare to enter the workforce by offering resume writing courses and mock interviews to help graduates develop soft skills. The CDP provides ongoing support and guidance for the graduates throughout the internship as they transition into a professional work environment.
Our goal is help ChalleNGe graduates develop marketable job skills so they are ready and confident to enter the workforce.
Sign up for the CDP monthly e-newsletter for ChalleNGe graduates and get updates on:
- Tips on finding a job, interview skills, etc.
- Company and Hot Job profiles
- Alumni Interviews
- Career development questions and advice
- Workforce development and training programs
- Article recommendations
Employment Criteria:
Entry-level position (temporary, seasonal) appropriate to high school/GED education.
Compensation based on entry level wages typical of the employer.
The possibility for retention based upon performance is ideal, but not essential. The job experience itself is a great opportunity on which a graduate can build.
Benefits for your organization to participate in the CDP:
- Brands your organization as a community leader
- Demonstrates corporate responsibility to reducing the high school dropout rate and supporting youth as they enter the workforce
- If your company is interested in creating an employment opportunity for a NGYCP graduate or if you are a NGYCP graduate, please contact us for more information:
Career Development Program Director
703.684.5437
This program is made possible by generous support from Anita Antenucci and Houlihan Lokey.
