HING youth program to challeNGe teen dropouts

By Gaye S. Sakamoto

The Hawaii National Guard is launching a new program that will give high school dropouts an alternative learning opportunity. Students will be able to earn general equivalency or competency-based high school diplomas (GED)and $2,200 stipends for future job training and higher education. The Hawaii Guard has been allocated $2.8 million in federal funds for this progressive venture.

Established by Congress in 1989, the National Guard “Youth ChalleNGe” program is funded by the federal government. Last year, 10 states with a budget of $44 million ran Youth Challenge programs. With a federal budget of $70 million this year, six more states will participate in the program.

“In Connecticut, 60% of the kids in the program passed the GED. In February, according to pre-test scores, we expect the figure to be 80%,” said Dan Donohue, National Guard Bureau public affairs chief, who also spearheads the Challenge program. “These are the kids who people said were dumb, and that it (passing the GED) couldn’t be done. We had a tough kid who went through the program. He now has a full four-year scholarship to the University of Connecticut.” Donohue added.

“In times of trouble, our country relies on the National Guard. This time, the trouble is high school dropouts, and the Guard wants to help solve this problem,” said Brig. Gen. Myles M. Nakatsu, deputy adjutant general. “About 2,500 16-to-18-year olds drop out of school each year. We want to give them a second chance to get their high school diplomas and become valuable members of society.”

The 17-month Youth Challenge Program includes a five-month residential phase, followed by a one-year post-residential mentoring program. Trained Hawaii National Guard personnel will run the program with the assistance of educators from the Hawaii Department of Education. Additional support staff will in elude medical personnel, administrative staff and placement counselors.

During the five-month residential phase, students will learn self-discipline and basic life skills while living in a military environment. The rigorous curriculum includes 1,500 hours of academics in preparation for the general equivalency diploma (GED), career exploration, leadership and discipline, physical fitness, basic job training and community service projects and activities.

A residential site for the Challenge Program has not been selected yet; but one is being considered at the U.S. Naval Facility in Lualualei on the Waianae coast. The program is free to the students and all personal needs such as meals, bedding and uniforms will be provided. Successful graduates of the first phase will receive a $2,200 stipend for future education or job training.

After the residential phase, each graduate will be assigned a mentor to help them during a year of post-residential development. National Guard mentors will work with Youth Challenge counselors to help each youth find a job or transition into additional job training or education.

The first class is scheduled to begin Sept. 17, 1994. Advertisements for 200 applicants, ages 16 to 18, will go out in April. To qualify, youths must enter the program voluntarily, not be on parole or awaiting trial, be drug-free and, most importantly, have the desire to finish the program.

Those interested in fulltime positions or in volunteering as mentors can contact 1^st Lt. Tamah-Lani Nakamoto, Youth Challenge project coordinator, at 7a2-2626, for more information.

– 1994 January Pūpūkahi pp. 5

Challenge Program needs workers

The Hawaii National Guard needs workers for its new Youth Challenge Program. The 17-month program, which includes a five-month residential phase followed by a one year post-residential mentoring program, gives high school dropouts an alternative learning opportunity in a military setting. Students will be able to earn general equivalency or competency-based high school diplomas and $2,200 stipends for future job training and higher education.

Fifty-three full-time positions including state accredited teachers and counselors, administration personnel and team leaders will be available by May or June 1994. Guard members are needed to fill 19 positions as team leaders who supervise youths throughout the day. Guard members are also needed to volunteer as mentors to help youths during a year of post-residential development.

Interested persons can contact 1^st Lt. Tamah-Lani Nakamoto at 732-2341.

– 1994 February – March Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Challenge program needs volunteers

The Hawaii National Guard is recruiting people for staff, faculty and squad leader positions for its Youth Challenge Program scheduled to commence, Sept. 27.

Forty-three full-time positions for certified teachers, counselors, administrative personnel and squad/assistant leaders are available. Also, 22 positions are available for National Guard personnel to serve as squad leaders who supervise the youths. Guard volunteers are also needed as mentors to help youths during a year of post-residential development.

The Youth Challenge Program is a 17-month alternative learning opportunity conducted in a military setting for high school dropouts, age 16 through 18. Participants can earn a general equivalency or competency based high school diploma and a $2,200 stipend for future job training and higher education.

The program is being conducted under the auspices of the Hawaii National Guard with primary funding from the federal government. The former Navy communications/ammunition depot at Lualualei has been selected as a program site.

For more information, contact 1^st Lt. TamahLani Nakamoto at 732-3341.

– 1994 April – May Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Command Notes

The HING will also be starting the first session of our new Youth Challenge program at the Hawaii Military Academy facilities at Bellows Air Force Station.

– 1994 June – July Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Youth ChalleNGe Program to gear up in September

By Deborah M.S. Murray

Thanks to $4 million in funding from the National Guard Bureau (NGB), the Hawaii National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe Program is expected to begin operating Sept. 27, according to 1^st Lt. Tamah-Lani Nakamoto, National Guard Youth Challenge program coordinator. The funding was part of an appropriations bill submitted by Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye and approved by Congress.

“We are really lucky that Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson is 100 percent behind this program,”Nakamoto said, adding, 26 other states are waiting for the program. We are fortunate have been awarded the program in Hawaii.”

The Youth ChalleNGe program is a NGB funded program to provide at-risk youths with the values, skills, education and self-discipline needed to succeed as productive citizens.

Hawaii Guard officials are actively seeking youth program participants; 48 full-time staff members; volunteers to serve as mentors; and local business owners interested in providing jobs for youths who have successfully completed the program.

The program was developed by NGB as a means of getting the Guard actively involved with the local community. It is offered in two phases: Phase I is a residential component that in eludes a high school completion pro gram, life coping skills, citizenship, leadership, physical fitness training, health, and community projects and activities. Phase II is the post-residential mentorship program.

The mentorship phase continues for about a year after the corpsmembers graduate. Mentors are tasked with offering guidance and encouragement to to youths to help them succeed.

“We are looking for people who really want to help these kids,” said Nakamoto.

To staff the program for the September start-up, the guard is seeking to hire a director and deputy director, coordinators, instructors, counselors, recruitment/placement coordinator, assistant squad leaders (which are guard positions), cook, security guard, a secretary and clerk typists. Interested applicants should complete a state employment application and send it to Department of Personnel Services, 3949 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816-4495. For additional information, call 732-3944.

Guard members are needed to provide manpower to get the proposed Youth ChalleNGe facility ready for program participants. Nakamoto also said that program officials will be using Hawaii Military Academy at Bellows Air Force Station as an alternative site for the first cycle of the program, which runs from Sept 27 to Feb.26, since the Lualualei site is not expected to be operational until March 1995.

Aside from employees, Hawaii Guard and community involvement, program officials are in need of surplus furniture and equipment, to use for the YouthChalleNGe program.

For more information, contact 1^st Lt Tamah-Lani Nakamoto at 732-2341.

– 1994 June – July Pūpūkahi pp. 4

Iha named Youth Challenge director

James Y. Iha started work as the director of the Hawaii National Guard’s Youth Challenge program Aug. 22.

Iha is a retired principal and retired Army colonel who served 23 years in the Hawaii Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve.

He also served as principal and vice principal at Molokai High and Intermediate Schools, and principal at Kaunakakai Elementary, Wheeler-Intermediate and Leilehua High schools.

The Youth Challenge program started Sept. 27. It is a pilot program designed to give at-risk youths a second chance at earning a high school diploma. The first training and education cycle is being conducted at the Hawaii Military Academy at Bellows Air Force Station, in Waimanalo.

– 1994 August – September Pūpūkahi pp. 8

Opening and dedication held at Waimanalo facility

By 1^st Lt. Steve Lal and PA Staff

Expectations were high and anticipation filled the air as 47 teenagers from all walks of life hauled their suitcases, bags, and assorted belongings to the secluded grounds of the Hawaii Military Academy, Waimanalo, Sept. 27, to begin a new lifestyle as corpsmembers in Phase I of the Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Program.

The two-phase program is Hawaii’s first military-oriented project designed to train and equip high school dropouts, ages 16-18, with the tools necessary to earn their General Education Diploma (GED), Competency Based High School Diploma Program (CB), or mainstream back into their high school by learning military discipline, lifecoping, and other important skills in a regulated environment.

The Guard works hand in hand with the Department of Education to help ensure the success of the program.

The parents and families of the corpsmembers were on hand to see the facility for themselves and learn what would be in store for their sons and daughters for the next 17 months.

“The discipline here is what I need to get a good job and be successful in life,” said Fabrene “Breney” Kalili, 17, of Kaneohe.

There were hugs, handshakes, and tears as friends and relatives bid farewell to their loved ones. All were aware that this was the start of a five-month journey designed to change the lives of youths who were unable to graduate from a traditional high school.

A dedication for the first session was held at the facilities on Bellows Air Force Station, Oct. 22. Parents were able to see the progress the corpsmembers had made in just a short period of time. Corpsmembers impressed not only their families, who had gathered for the dedication, but officials from the National Guard Bureau (NGB) as well.

Youth Challenge was first conceived by Dan Donohue, Chief of Public Affairs at NGB. He encouraged the corpsmembers to stick with the tough five-month long residency phase. “Look in the mirror and if you can say ‘I have done the best I could do. I have given it everything I’ve got,’ whether you have failed or succeeded, you have been true to yourself, and that is what’s important in life,” said Donohue.

Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, state adjutant general, commended those who contributed to the program and extended his congratulations to the corpsmembers. “These young men and women have taken a giant step towards making themselves better citizens of our state and country. I applaud their efforts and the efforts of their families for their support,” said Richardson.

Graduation for the first class is scheduled for Feb. 26, 1995. That will be followed by a 12-month post-residential phase. During Phase II, the corpsmember is paired with a member of the Guard or community who will act as a mentor, providing assistance and advice to his/her corpsmember seeking enrollment in college or full time employment. The mentor will also oversee the expenditure of a $2,200 stipend each corpsmember will receive for educational or job training expenses.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor or if you want additional information about the Youth Challenge program, please call 1^st Lt. Steve Lai, recruitment/placement coordinator, at 259-5091 or 259-7359.

– 1994 September – October Pūpūkahi pp. 3

Youth Challenge

Session two found everyone together again for a real treat. Retired Col. James Iha, director of the Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Program updated the conferees on the first class of this new program starting Sept. 27. He encouraged all Guard personnel and Family Support Group members to undertake the exciting and rewarding challenge of serving as a mentor to one of the youngsters in this program. The guidance mentors can provide is necessary to ensure that these youths have a chance to succeed. For more information, contact 1^st Lt. Steve C. Lai, recruitment/ placement coordinator, on Oahu at 732-2341 or 732-2626

– 1994 September – October Pūpūkahi pp. 7

Command Notes

By the end of September, the HING had more than 40 teens enrolled in the Youth challenge Program. The corps-members are well on their way to getting their high school equivalency and to becoming more productive adults.

– 1994 November – December Pūpūkahi pp. 2

The start of the Youth ChalleNGe program in September ’95 afforded the department with a golden opportunity to assist area youths who have dropped out of high school.

The program opened its doors at the Hawaii Military Academy facilities at Bellows Air Force Station, located in Waimanalo.

Youth ChalleNGe is a two phase military-oriented program designed to train and equip high school dropouts, ages 16-18, with the skills necessary to earn a General Education Diploma, competency-based high school diploma or mainstream back into their high school. Phase I is a five-month residential phase where participants learn academic and life-coping skills. It is followed by a 12-month mentoring phase.

The youth program has since graduated 98 youth and has moved out of the Bellow’s location to Barbers Point Naval Air Station.

– 1995 Annual Report pp. 3

YCP starts third class, second at Barbers Point Naval Air Station

Youth ChalleNGe Program graduates second class

By Sgt. 1^st Class Stephen M. Lum

Since the Hawaii National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe Program started in Fall 1994 it has instilled a total of 98 corpsmembers with the values and resources needed to make positive changes in their lives.

Fifty-eight corpsmembers graduated from the Youth Challenge Program’s Class 95-2, Aug. 19. They were the first class to graduate from the program since it moved to Barbers Point Naval Air Station.

The National Guard Bureau initiated program provides an opportunity for at-risk youth to gain the values, skills, education and self discipline needed to succeed as productive citizens. Upon graduating from the first phase of the program, corpsmembers move directly to the second phase: job training education.

Barbers Point classes started

With their first class barely out the door, the Hawaii National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program staff packed and moved from Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo to Barbers Point Naval Air Station. In two weeks the staff set-up classrooms, living quarters, and administrative offices. Seventy-seven teens, including nine from the neighbor islands, were enrolled in Class 95-2, March 18 The students were dormed in four-person rooms and attended classes in portable classrooms at the Barbers Point complex. Five months later the 58 corpsmembers graduated during a ceremony at Leeward Community College. The LCC auditorium was filled to capacity with proud families and friends of the corpsmembers. Joining the corpsmembers on stage that day were U.S. Senator Daniel K Inouye, U.S. Representative Neil S. Abercrombie, Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono, Dan Donohue, National Guard Bureau Public Affairs Chief, Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, state adjutant general and Brig. Gen. Myles M. Nakatsu, former deputy adjutant general.

The program graduates are currently in the job training or education phase, which is supervised by a mentor.

More than 100 youths showed up on day one of the third class which started on Sept. 12. More than 90 are presently enrolled at the Barbers Point facility. Graduation for Class 96-3 is scheduled next February.

Job or school placement needed

“Our mission now is to place the graduates in jobs,” said 1^st Lt. Steve C. Lai, the program’s recruitment, mentorship, and placement coordinator. The 16-year-olds are main-streamed back into the classroom, while the older graduates need jobs or enrollment in continuing education programs. The hotel and fumigation industry have opened opportunities for a few, also four former corpsmembers are considering joining the active military or the National Guard. “We are actively looking to place graduates in jobs or higher education programs,” adds Lai. “We welcome present or future leads or offers, just call me at 684-5790.”

– 1995 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 3

YCP starts third class, second at Barbers Point Naval Air Station

Youth ChalleNGe Program graduates second class

By Sgt. 1^st Class Stephen M. Lum

Since the Hawaii National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe Program started in Fall 1994 it has instilled a total of 98 corpsmembers with the values and resources needed to make positive changes in their lives.

Fifty-eight corpsmembers graduated from the Youth Challenge Program’s Class 95-2, Aug. 19. They were the first class to graduate from the program since it moved to Barbers Point Naval Air Station.

The National Guard Bureau initiated program provides an opportunity for at-risk youth to gain the values, skills, education and self discipline needed to succeed as productive citizens. Upon graduating from the first phase of the program, corpsmembers move directly to the second phase: job training education.

Barbers Point classes started

With their first class barely out the door, the Hawaii National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program staff packed and moved from Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo to Barbers Point Naval Air Station. In two weeks the staff set-up classrooms, living quarters, and administrative offices. Seventy-seven teens, including nine from the neighbor islands, were enrolled in Class 95-2, March 18 The students were dormed in four-person rooms and attended classes in portable classrooms at the Barbers Point complex. Five months later the 58 corpsmembers graduated during a ceremony at Leeward Community College. The LCC auditorium was filled to capacity with proud families and friends of the corpsmembers. Joining the corpsmembers on stage that day were U.S. Senator Daniel K Inouye, U.S. Representative Neil S. Abercrombie, Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono, Dan Donohue, National Guard Bureau Public Affairs Chief, Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, state adjutant general and Brig. Gen. Myles M. Nakatsu, former deputy adjutant general.

The program graduates are currently in the job training or education phase, which is supervised by a mentor.

More than 100 youths showed up on day one of the third class which started on Sept. 12. More than 90 are presently enrolled at the Barbers Point facility. Graduation for Class 96-3 is scheduled next February.

Job or school placement needed

“Our mission now is to place the graduates in jobs,” said 1^st Lt. Steve C. Lai, the program’s recruitment, mentorship, and placement coordinator. The 16-year-olds are main-streamed back into the classroom, while the older graduates need jobs or enrollment in continuing education programs. The hotel and fumigation industry have opened opportunities for a few, also four former corpsmembers are considering joining the active military or the National Guard. “We are actively looking to place graduates in jobs or higher education programs,” adds Lai. “We welcome present or future leads or offers, just call me at 684-5790.”

– 1995 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 3

Youth ChalleNGe Program starts third class

The Hawaii National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program graduated a total of 98 corpsmembers from two classes in 1995 and started a third. In February, the first class of 40 corpsmembers completed the program at Hawaii Military Academy, Bellows Air Force Station. In March, Youth ChalleNGe moved to Barbers Point Naval Air Station. The second class of 58 corpsmembers graduated in August. The third class, now with 85 corpsmembers, began in September.

Throughout 1995, members of the State DOD trained for their federal and state missions and carried out their responsibilities towards the residents of Hawaii and the nation in an exemplary manner. I am extremely proud of the accomplishments, too numerous to list, performed over the past year and I am looking forward to an even better year in 1996. My wife, Celia, and I wish all of you and your families, the very best throughout this new year.

– 1995 December Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Youth ChalleNGe’s third class graduates

By Sgt. 1^st Class Stephen Lum

Eighty-two at-risk youth took advantage of the opportunity for a second chance at completing their high school education at the Hawaii National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe Program. Class 96-3 ChalleNGe corpsmembers completed the first phase of the program at graduation exercises held at Kamehameha Schools’ Princess Ruth Keelikolani Auditorium, Feb. 10.

Corpsmembers volunteered to attend the five-month quasi-military residential phase at Barbers Point Naval Air Station. They received 1,500 hours of instruction to earn a high school equivalency certificate (17-18 year old) or were able to earn up to five credits toward graduation (16 year old).

Pre-Challenge

The first two-weeks, called prechallenge, introduces corpsmembers to disciplinary phase of the quasi-military style school. “The first weeks were the hardest … the most challenging,” said Patrick W. Canoy Jr., Class 96-3 corpsmember president and former Campbell High School student. He was presented the leadership award by Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, the adjutant general. Said Canoy in his presidential address, “There were times of great happiness, sorrow, aching muscles and brain busting moments. That’s all right, because with all that experience, we know that we can take a few lickings and suck it up and drive on, … boo-ah.” The corpsmembers responded, “boo-ah.”

The “mini-boot camp” is run by the 21 squad leaders who rotate at drill instructors and live-in dorm managers. Squad leaders, who are Hawaii National Guard soldiers and airmen, provide instruction which includes physical fitness; health, hygiene and sex education; discipline; responsibility; team building; drill and ceremony; leadership and followership; community service; life-coping skills; health, skills training; and community involvement and service projects.

During the first days at ChalleNGe, corpsmembers are shown the importance of grooming. Young women’s hair is put up neatly or cut short, while the young men usually get a military-style cut. “The kids soon realize the value of a short haircut when moving briskly to their next destination,” said retired Col. James Y. Iha, the program’s director. “Every class ends up with a class member barber.”

Zackary E.K Mercado lead a group of 45 corpsmembers who benefited from the physically conditioning program and earned Presidential Physical Fitness Awards. He was presented the ChalleNGe program’s physical fitness award by Col. Michael E. Rawlins, the deputy adjutant general.

Merit system

Corpsmembers learn privileges, such as having the daily paper available, using the phone and weekend passes need to be earned not just given through merit/demerit system. They learn to work together to make positive changes for the good of all.

In his farewell message, Mercado said, “When we walked in the gates … it was even worst than we thought. No one knew one another … no one cared … we were all individuals … then we got to know each other, learned how to grow and live with one another. Now we are not only a strong team, but a strong family.”

“I was into gangs and drugs, but now I’ve learned to appreciate my parents, I give them respect and they treat me with respect,” said Vincent B. Villaplaza, from Farrington High School. Cabebe said, “My parents have seen me change from bad to good … now I give and get respect.”

Not everyone makes it through the program. “Some leave on their own, while others are unable to adjust to the program,” said retired Maj. Jeffrey M. Nishikawa, ChalleNGe deputy director. Other reasons for dismissal are academic deficiencies or testing positive for drugs during pre-challenge or when returning from weekend passes.

Academics

The academic core, taught by five instructors, includes government and law; health; consumer economics; occupational knowledge; community resources. Classes are held in five trailers serving as classrooms, while a sixth one is utilized at the computer resource center. Corpsmembers are given a diagnostic test at the beginning of the program and a mastery exam at the conclusion of the program to see how they have progressed. Corpsmember Ivan KS. lge was presented the academic award by U.S. Representative Neil S. Abercrombie. Maui corpsmember Byron F.K Tavares was presented the governor’s award by Lt. Gov. Maize Hirono for achieving the highest test scores (all 100 percent), no demerits, and the presidential fitness award.

U.S. Representative Patsy T. Mink; Daniel Donohue, special assistant to the chief of the National Guard Bureau; and Col. Iha joined the other presenters as speakers for the ceremonies.

Post-residential phase begins

Hawaii ChalleNGe graduates now move on to the 12-month post-residential phase.

Forty graduates enrolled at Leeward Community College in a newly created bridge program, designed to transition the graduates into college. The three-college credit course will use $300 of the $2,200 stipend earned for completing the ChallenNGe program. The stipend is used only to further education or for job training.

Graduates are also teamed with a mentor, an adult volunteer, committed to keeping the corpsmember on track. The program is always looking for qualified mentors; call Warrant Officer Candidate Antoinette McClain at Youth ChalleNGe for more information at 684-5790 or 684-9350.

The federally funded program, which is in 14 other states, has received funding for four more classes, including the one which started Feb. 25.

– 1996 January – March Pūpūkahi pp. 4

Guard serves local community

Congratulations to the staff of Hawaii Youth ChalleNGe Program. I had the privilege of attending the graduation of the third class of this new program, Feb. 10, 1996, at the Kamehameha School Auditorium, and I share the pride which the graduates, families, and friends felt. Much of the staff of the program come from the HIARNG, and it is through their hard work, dedication, and serving as role models, that the program has been so successful in such a short time.

– 1996 January – March Pūpūkahi pp. 6

Command Notes

We look forward to the graduation of Youth Challenge class 97-5 on January 25. Currently, there are 93 corpsmembers enrolled in the program.

– 1996 December Pūpūkahi pp. 3

The Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge program graduated another 192 corpsmembers bringing the total number of graduates to 250.

– 1996 Annual Report pp. 3

Command Notes

The Youth Challenge Program was nationally recognized on May 13 by the United Services Organization (USO) for academic achievement. The USO selected our program as the best of the 15 National Guard programs throughout the nation for “educational excellence.” I was very proud to have Director, retired Col. Bob Watanabe, Corpsmembers Jacob Kamelamela and Cheyenne Takeuchi represent us at this visible ceremony in Arlington, Va

– 1997 Summer Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Highlights and Significant Events

Fiscal Year 1998 provided many opportunities for Youth ChalleNGe to give back to the community in the form of service projects. Projects included cleanup at Camp Erdman, Kapiolani Park, and Honolulu Zoo, with affiliation with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and America’s Promise. Two corpsmembers won a trip to Washington District of Columbia, to represent Hawaii’s ChalleNGe in a YCP essay initiative.

– 1998 Annual Report pp. 29-30

The number of graduates from the Hawaii National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe Program increased to nearly 600 in FY 1998

– 1998 Annual Report pp. 1

Highlights and Significant Events

Fiscal Year 1998 provided many opportunities for Youth ChalleNGe to give back to the community in the form of service projects. Projects included cleanup at Camp Erdman, Kapiolani Park, and Honolulu Zoo, with affiliation with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and America’s Promise. Two corpsmembers won a trip to Washington District of Columbia, to represent Hawaii’s ChalleNGe in a YCP essay initiative.

– 1998 Annual Report pp. 29-30

Youth ChalleNGe Program graduates final class of decade

By 2^nd Lt. Jonathan M. Shiroma

They dared to dream the impossible dream. That’s how some of the recent graduates of the Hawaii National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe Program Class 99-1 described their mindset as they enrolled in the program six months ago.

In December, that dream was realized as 72 students were handed their diplomas

“I encourage you to stay on the right track,” said Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, the retiring adjutant general. “Clearly, you have already shown you have what it takes to be a winner.”

The Youth ChalleNGe program is geared for teenagers who have had difficulty succeeding in the traditional classroom setting. It is funded through federal and state agencies and provides an alternative
educational setting in a quasi-military format.

“Now is our time to explore our life and the ultimate test is out there in the real world,” said corpsmember Israel J. Rozkiewicz. “I want to encourage all of my classmates to never give up.”

Most of the graduates will now go on to further their education. Close to 40 percent of the class has enlisted in the military with others returning to their respective high schools or pursuing higher education opportunities.

“We have become young and responsible,” said Lima Valoaga who served as Class 99-l’s president. Now, it’s our turn to grab onto what the world has to offer us.”

Hundreds of friends and family members were on hand to congratulate the accomplishments of the graduates as were U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka and Congress woman Patsy T. Mink.

We owe a lot to the Hawaii National Guard for taking the responsibility to help these youngsters,” said Mink, “and I am glad to be here to share in this important milestone with the 72 graduates.”

The Hawaii National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program is in the process of being renamed the HING Youth ChalleNGe Academy.

– 2000 January – February Pūpūkahi pp. 3

while the Youth Challenge Academy, now in the seventh year, graduated its 1,000^th corpsmember from this program which provides a second chance to Hawaii’s at-risk teens.

– 2001 Annual Report pp. 1

Hawaii’s CHalleNGe program top ranked

By Spc. Brandon T. Bocanegra

The New Year is off to a great start for the Hawaii National Guard’s thriving Youth CHalleNGe Academy. It was recently announced by the U.S. Service Organization (USO) that Hawaii’s program is the best program overall among 25 programs nationally. Besides receiving new recognition on the national level and positive feedback from its corpsmembers and the community, the first training cycle of the year will herald in the program’s 1,000^th graduate. Youth CHalleNGe Academy has also begun expanding to attract more recruits and to better prepare them for the challenges of the program and life afterward.

Mentoring more than 1,000 of Hawaii’s youths is a great achievement for the Guard, said Wallace Mitsui, Youth CHalleNGe’s program coordinator. But Youth CHalleNGe, which is a high school competency program, has continued to improve its standing by increasing the chances of success for the students. A preparatory program was initiated last October, which offers a brief introduction and overview of the program, but primarily provides academic help to struggling students. Hawaii’s prep program is like few others in the nation and is a hallmark of Youth CHalleNGe’s success, he said. “The prep program has helped with recruiting because it gives students a taste of the residential program,” said Mitsui. “However, the basic intent is to help those that are not academically ready. It is a great addition to the program and nationally, we are one of the few that do it.”

The commandant of the Hawaii National Guard Youth CHalleNGe Academy, Capt. Christopher Slavens, explained, “students must be able to read at a sixth grade level to be eligible. What we were finding was a large percentage of students only had a third grade reading level.”

To get the students up to par, the prep program provided two full-time teachers with several assistants, enabling 16 students to pass the course. The teachers met with the students for one month and tutored them about four hours each day, five days a week. After class, students met with members of Youth CHalleNGe’s cadre for instruction on some of the tasks they would be performing as corpsmembers. The benefits of the prep program will be measured with this next training cycle, as the 16 graduates enter the five-month residential phase. But, based on feedback from the first one, the next prep program has already been scheduled to include 25 students.

Mitsui reaffirmed that education is a primary factor in molding good citizens. “It is a positive achievement that 992 students have finished the program and that we will be celebrating our 1,000^th this cycle. But, what we would really like to see is 1,001 students receive their high school diploma. That would be an accomplishment,” he said.

Eighty-five percent of the programs’ graduates have received their diplomas.

Slavens said, “there is no doubt that we have been extremely successful. The diploma l’ate is a tangible indication. But, some of the biggest results are the changes you see in the kids. When we receive our follow-ups and hear they have passed basic training in the Marine Corps as an honor graduate, we know the rest will go off to do great things as well.”

They have an accomplished track record, but the Hawaii National Guard has never advocated settling for second. With the goal to “become the most respected alternative learning organization in the nation” as their mission statement, the staff and cadre ofYouth CHalleNGe are well on their way to living up to their words; and, they have more than 1,000 examples to testify to it.

– 2001 January – March Pūpūkahi pp. 4

One thousandth Corpsmember graduates

By the time this issue arrives in your mailbox, we will have graduated the 14^th class of our Youth CHalleNGe Academy (YCA). Since 1994, the program has graduated about a thousand young men and women. More than 80 percent have gone on to receive their high school diplomas. As you may recall from our last issue, YCA was selected as the best overall program of its kind in the nation by the United Services Organization.

– 2001 April – June Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Youth program rated best

Leading the way-we have so many people doing outstanding work and receiving major awards! First of all, the Hawaii National Guard Youth CHalleNGeAcademy has been recognized by the United Services Organization (USO) as the best in the nation. On April 3, Youth CHalleNGe Academy director Bob Watanabe will accept the USO award for Best-All Around program at a Washington, D.C. ceremony. Watanabe and his team have consistently worked very hard to help Hawaii’s youth at risk excel. Since its inception in 1994, Hawaii’s program has graduated nearly 1,000 corpsmembers from the residential phase. This accomplishment cannot be understated. Think about how much more productive and fuller life is for these graduates and their families. Best in the nation – a well-deserved award! (Read more about Youth CHalleNGe in a related article on page 4).

– 2001 January – March Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Hawaii’s CHalleNGe program top ranked

By Spc. Brandon T. Bocanegra

The New Year is off to a great start for the Hawaii National Guard’s thriving Youth CHalleNGe Academy. It was recently announced by the U.S. Service Organization (USO) that Hawaii’s program is the best program overall among 25 programs nationally. Besides receiving new recognition on the national level and positive feedback from its corpsmembers and the community, the first training cycle of the year will herald in the program’s 1,000^th graduate. Youth CHalleNGe Academy has also begun expanding to attract more recruits and to better prepare them for the challenges of the program and life afterward.

Mentoring more than 1,000 of Hawaii’s youths is a great achievement for the Guard, said Wallace Mitsui, Youth CHalleNGe’s program coordinator. But Youth CHalleNGe, which is a high school competency program, has continued to improve its standing by increasing the chances of success for the students. A preparatory program was initiated last October, which offers a brief introduction and overview of the program, but primarily provides academic help to struggling students. Hawaii’s prep program is like few others in the nation and is a hallmark of Youth CHalleNGe’s success, he said. “The prep program has helped with recruiting because it gives students a taste of the residential program,” said Mitsui. “However, the basic intent is to help those that are not academically ready. It is a great addition to the program and nationally, we are one of the few that do it.”

The commandant of the Hawaii National Guard Youth CHalleNGe Academy, Capt. Christopher Slavens, explained, “students must be able to read at a sixth grade level to be eligible. What we were finding was a large percentage of students only had a third grade reading level.”

To get the students up to par, the prep program provided two full-time teachers with several assistants, enabling 16 students to pass the course. The teachers met with the students for one month and tutored them about four hours each day, five days a week. After class, students met with members of Youth CHalleNGe’s cadre for instruction on some of the tasks they would be performing as corpsmembers. The benefits of the prep program will be measured with this next training cycle, as the 16 graduates enter the five-month residential phase. But, based on feedback from the first one, the next prep program has already been scheduled to include 25 students.

Mitsui reaffirmed that education is a primary factor in molding good citizens. “It is a positive achievement that 992 students have finished the program and that we will be celebrating our 1,000^th this cycle. But, what we would really like to see is 1,001 students receive their high school diploma. That would be an accomplishment,” he said.

Eighty-five percent of the programs’ graduates have received their diplomas.

Slavens said, “there is no doubt that we have been extremely successful. The diploma l’ate is a tangible indication. But, some of the biggest results are the changes you see in the kids. When we receive our follow-ups and hear they have passed basic training in the Marine Corps as an honor graduate, we know the rest will go off to do great things as well.”

They have an accomplished track record, but the Hawaii National Guard has never advocated settling for second. With the goal to “become the most respected alternative learning organization in the nation” as their mission statement, the staff and cadre ofYouth CHalleNGe are well on their way to living up to their words; and, they have more than 1,000 examples to testify to it.

– 2001 January – March Pūpūkahi pp. 4

Hawaii Guard provides army of inauguration support

More than 300 Hawaii National Guard personnel were involved in support of the Dec. 2 inauguration of Gov. Linda Lingle.

Four F-15 Eagle jet fighters from the Air Guard’s 199^th Fighter Squadron performed a flyover at the end of the inaugural parade that passed in front of the reviewing stand at Iolani Palace. Front and center included members of the Air Guard’s ceremonial Royal Guard. Dressed in uniforms that are replicas ofKing David Kalakaua’s Royal Guard, the ceremonial Royal Guard airmen escorted Lingle and the members of her procession from Iolani Palace to the State Capitol rotunda. Along the way to the Capit.ol, an honor cordon made up of soldiers and airmen from the Army and Air National Guards, as well as Youth CHalleNGe Academy corpsmembers, rendered their salutes as Lingle passed through on the way to her swear-in ceremony.

The YCA corpsmembers were pressed into a service to help with a number of unforeseen details, like holding banners for the mini-parade, and passing out water and inaugural cake. Once Lingle was sworn in, a nineteen-gun salute was performed by crews from the Army Guard’s Battery C, 487^th Field Artillery. A CH-47D Chinook flyover was performed by three helicopter from the Army Guard’s Company C, 193^rd. Aviation, after the governor’s inauguration address. In the program’s finale, YCA corpsmembers showered blossoms from the third floor of the Capitol to attendees below. The Hawaii Guard’s support concluded with the Army Guard’s 111th Army Band post-inaugural concert on the palace grounds.

– 2002 October – December Pūpūkahi pp. 1

Public Lands Day takes care of Diamond Head National Monument grounds

Environmental team battles elements

Story and photos by Sgt. Daisy C. Bueno

Foreign plants, pollution, predators … what do all these have in common? They’re all threats to the special environment here in Hawaii. To help battle these elements, the Hawaii Army National Guard’s Natural Resources Environmental Section is working to help preserve Hawaii’s natural environment and educate others at the same time.

Last year, 300 native trees were planted in Diamond Head Crater, all dedicated in the memory of the fallen rescue workers of 9-11. The planting occurred on National Public Lands Day, which normally takes place during the last week in September. This year, members of the Natural Resources Section were again joined by corpsmembers from the Hawaii National Guard’s Youth CHalleNGe Academy, Nov. 23, to clean up the area and plant more trees.

Educating our youths to take care of our lands

“I think it’s important to get involved since the majority of us don’t work in our community and take the environment into consideration,” said Jessica Alaron, corpsmember of the month for October. “It makes me feel good that we’re helping and it gives us the feeling of success in completing something.”

According to Donna Wu, the integrated training area management assistant with Natural Resources, a continuous partnership with Youth CHalleNGe would be a great accomplishment. “We hope to start -a legacy with Youth CHalleNGe and have them come out every year. Hopefully, they can revisit in 10 years, and this will be a place filled with big, tall, native trees.”

Michael L. Wysong, field program manager, added “I think it’s imperative for the younger generations, in particular, to understand the connection between them, the future, and the environment. I hope they gain pride in looking after the environment and become stewards of the environment that is theirs for generations to come.”

Approximately 100 Youth CHalleNGe corpsmembers helped plant about 100 native trees: Milo and Native Hibiscus, the latter being an endangered plant. These plants were rescued from a private ranch and were donated.

“These plants are expected to do wellhere,” said Wysong. “Both these plants are adapted to dry weather and inside Diamond Head is a perfect example of that climate. Hawaii is a very unique place. There are plants on these islands that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.”

National Public Lands Day originated in 1993 and Hawaii began participating last year. This project was made possible with a grant sponsored by the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental education. Qualifying Army applicants must demonstrate that they have a public land project that includes community outreach.

– 2002 October – December Pūpūkahi pp. 5

Academy continues partnership with Hawaii Army Guard environmental team

Story and photos by Sgt. Daisy C. Bueno

Since the first Earth Day in 1970, the environmental movement has increasingly altered itself from a small campaign to a professionally organized event. It has helped to put environmental issues on the forefront at the community and legislature levels. In Hawaii, hundreds participate, in cleaning shorelines and rebuilding watershed streams. The Hawaii Army National Guard Environmental Office continues to restore the land at the Diamond Head State Monument.

Today, we are clearing nonnative trees and alien species. “We are planting native plants so eventually this crater will have the ecosystems that belong here,” explained Penny Levin, conservation program manager. “Any time you do this, you give the land the ability to take care of itself.”

Native plants restoration continues

In addition to planting trees, weed control was conducted by taking out nonnative grass and shrubs. They opened up the initial area by removing alien species like keawe, which is from Africa, in order to encourage the growth of native plants, like ilima. To combine restoration with landscaping, native plants were placed along the road to the State Civil Defense headquarters where they are more easily seen by the public. After planting, mulch was placed over them to keep the weeds down and keep water in the soil.

This restoration project started three years ago on Public Lands Day with the planting of about 300 trees. The Hawaii National Guard’s Youth CHalleNGe corps came out initially to lend a hand and has continued to participate in the ongoing restoration. “All around the world people are giving their time on Earth Day just-to help out,” said member Bobby Douglas. “This is positive and I am proud to be here today doing my part in helping Hawaii.”

Corpsmember Valerie Mateo added, “It makes me feel good to know that I can contribute to he community and help the environment.”

According to Michael Wysong, field program manager with the Hawaii Environmental Office, “I think it’s important that the kids come out and get the opportunity to do this hands on restoration. Not only does it help us out, but it helps them out, too. They can come back and see the results of their labor and hopefully gain a sense of stewardship of the area.”

– 2003 April – June Pūpūkahi pp. 5

Department provides inaugural support

Once again the State of Hawaii Department of Defense played a significant role in providing personnel (present and former members) to the success of our commander in chiefs inauguration this fourth of December at the Hawaii State Capitol grounds.

As the crowd gathered in the State Capitol rotunda, Hawaii Army and Air National Guard troops ushered distinguished guests and passed out programs. Providing entertainment and ceremonial music were the Hawaii Guard’s 111th Army Band and the City and County of Honolulu’s Royal Hawaiian Band (with retired and active Guard musicians). Cadets from the Hawaii National Guard Youth CHalleNGe Academy provided the honor cordon as well as tossed plumeria petals from the rotunda’s upper balcony.

Gov. Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov. James “Duke” R. Aiona Jr., and the official party were escorted by the Hawaii Air Guard’s ceremonial Royal Guard. Leading the procession was retired Master Sgt. Ray Ganotise.

The Hawaii National Guard Joint Color Guard provided presentation, posting, and retiring of the colors.

Battery B, 1st Battalion, 487^th Field Artillery fired a 19-gun salute with their Howitzers, while Co. B, 1st Battalion, 173^rd Aviation Regiment flew a four CH-47D Chinook helicopter fly-by over the rotunda to conclude the ceremony.

– 2006 October – December Pūpūkahi pp. 1 & 7

The Youth CHalleNGe Academy is 12 years old and graduated a combined 200 cadets in its 26^th and 27^th classes this year. It continues to be the state’s premier program for assisting at-risk youth, helping more than 2,000 teens to become productive citizens.

– 2007 Annual Report pp. 1

110 youth completed residential phase of CHalleNGe program

Story and photos by Capt. Regina Berry

One hundred ten very emotional cadets from the Hawaii National Guard Youth CHalleNGe Academy, graduated from the five-and-a-half month residential phase June 23, at the Pearl City Cultural Center (High School Auditorium) as family members and friends watched.

Lieutenant governor’s wife addresses Cadets

These young men and women have risen to the top, they have raised the bar and set examples to their friends, their siblings, and their families, said Mrs. Vicky Aiona, the lieutenant governor’s wife. “The students have put on the armor to succeed, and they have finished the race with pride and honor.”

The cadets completed the first and most demanding phase of the 17-month Youth CHalleNGe program. The program is voluntary and open to 16- to 18-year-old high school dropouts who are looking for a way to change their lives through education, community service, physical fitness and life skills training.

Cadet’s message about goals

When people hear about Youth CHalleNGe, they tend to think of us as messed-up kids, but when they take the time to get to know us, they realize that we have made poor decisions, said Cadet Robert Kepelino-Freeman during the graduation’s student speaker.

“Even though we made poor decisions, we took it upon ourselves to take the challenge, that challenge was coming here and accomplishing the impossible,” said Freeman. “We are here today accomplishing our goal.”

The Academy’s goal is to help these young people return to high school, earn their high school diploma, enroll in college, enter the workforce or join the military. On the road to accomplishing all of these goals, the cadets find themselves leaving the program with more than just a high school diploma.

”Many of us have accomplished a lot more than being in this program; such as having a positive attitude, higher discipline and respect level, learning job skills, plan management and self confidence,” said Freeman. We also learned how to work as a team and how to trust one another, something many of us never had before.

The cadets, who were from Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island, spent the residential phase studying for the GED or a Computer-Based test, both of which allow the students to receive their high school diplomas upon completion.

Award Winners:

• Merrill Lynch Scholarship ($2,000 each) – Cadet James Kuwata, Cadet Jahna HironakaOrtiz Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku
• Foundation ($500 each): Cadet Faaseseloto Maauga, Cadet Nathan Seals, Cadet Joni Newcamp, Cadet Sara Lopez
• Commandant’s Physical Fitness Award: Cadet Michael Hernandez
• Director’s Academic Award: Cadet Alvin Julaton (CEASE), Cadet James Kuwata (GED)
• Adjutant General’s Leadership Award: Cadet Faleono Faatili
• Governor’s Distinguished Student Award: Cadet Nikesha Cleveland

– 2007 April – June Pūpūkahi pp. 3

Items of Interest

In 2011 the Hawaii National Guard Youth CHalleNGe Academy opened a second Academy at the former Kulani Correctional Facility on the Island of Hawaii. This new site is offering a CBASE educational program and working in partnership with the Three Mountain Alliance, Natural Area Reserve and the Department of Forestry and Wildlife to offer instruction in horticulture, forestry and agriculture. One of the goals of YCA is to eventually have the majority of the applicants be residents of Hawaii Island and to fill the rest of the applicant positions with youngsters from the other islands.

The first class at Kulani began in January 2011 and welcomed 60 candidates at in-processing and graduated 41 Cadets after 22 weeks. Of the 41 graduates, 36 or 87 percent received their high school diplomas. Class 02 began in June of 2011 with 83 Candidates and graduated 72 on Dec. 23. Eighty-six percent of this class received their high school diplomas.

In 2010 Governor Abercrombie initiated a plan to return Kulani to the Department of Public Safety as a minimum security prison facility. As a result of the Governor’s decision The Youth CHalleNGe Academy has been asked to develop a plan to move the Academy. The adjutant general and the chief of staff suggested that the Academy move to the former Armory at the Keaukaha Military Reservation in Hilo. This move will be beneficial to YCA as it will decrease Operational costs, improve security for the Cadets and allow for more travel and interaction with the Community.

The Kalaeloa and Kulani Academies intend, as part of their State Plan, to increase the target number of graduates to 125 Cadets per cycle, or 250 per year. This will mean that between the two programs over 500 youngsters will be graduating from Youth Challenge each year.

Youth CHalleNGe has also initiated a request, with the assistance of Rep. Takai, to the Hawaii State Legislature to pass a resolution asking the Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) to notify the Youth CHalleNGe Academies when students choose to drop out of high school. The Resolution is fashioned after Bills that were recently passed in Alaska and Montana. This will increase opportunities for recruitment of youngsters for the YCA program.

– 2011 Annual Report pp. 30

Partnerships

Partnerships are a very important part of the Youth CHalleNGe Academy’s success.

In 2012-2013 the Academy has continued to maintain partnerships with the Catholic Charities of Hawaii and Access to Recovery. The Career Fair and Mock Interview program have brought YCA together with the Hawaii Trades Council, Universities and Colleges and other businesses to create many more opportunities for the Cadets to be placed after graduation. The Pacific Cultural Institute (PCI) has also spent many hours with the Cadets assisting them with gaining knowledge about the cultural agricultural aspects of the Polynesian archipelago and the State of Hawaii. Both sites have benefitted from partnerships with the Departments of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and Forestry and Wildlife. . .

Highlights/items of interest

Kalaeloa

• Class 38 in-processed 100 Cadidates on Jan. 22, 2013; graduated 79 Cadets on June 21, 2013
• Briefing with State Senators Will Espero and Mike Gabbard, and State Rep Sharon Har, State Capital Auditorium
• Responsible citizenship activities at: State Capital, Honolulu Hale, Supreme and Circut Court
• Cadets worked Ewa Emergency Preparedness Fair exhibitors to set up, demonstrate, assist visitors and clean up after exhibition
• Cadets assisted in opening and closing flag ceremonies and helped to prepare “swag” bags for the attendees at the National Guard Association of the United States exhibition in September
• The Honor Platoon (3^rd) represented YCA in the Aloha Festivals Parade; received high acclaim for their dedicated performance of Drill & Ceremony and their entertaining “free style” drill and Aloha Spirit.
• YCA team was sponsored by the Pacific Links Golf Course to compete in the Windward Mall Halloween Pumpkin Carving Festival; they earned “People’s Choice” award for depicting Marvel Comic heroes in the battle against personal and cyber bullying
• Cadets did service to community projects at the Kaneohe Marine Corps Station

– 2013 Annual Report pp. 31-32

Partnerships

Partnerships are a very important part of the Youth CHalleNGe Academy’s success.

In 2012-2013 the Academy has continued to maintain partnerships with the Catholic Charities of Hawaii and Access to Recovery. The Career Fair and Mock Interview program have brought YCA together with the Hawaii Trades Council, Universities and Colleges and other businesses to create many more opportunities for the Cadets to be placed after graduation. The Pacific Cultural Institute (PCI) has also spent many hours with the Cadets assisting them with gaining knowledge about the cultural agricultural aspects of the Polynesian archipelago and the State of Hawaii. Both sites have benefitted from partnerships with the Departments of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and Forestry and Wildlife. . .

Highlights/items of interest

Kalaeloa

• Class 39 in-processed 124 Candidates on July 16, 2013 and graduated 107 Cadets on Dec. 12, 2013
• Briefing with State Senators Will Espero and Mike Gabbard, and State Rep Sharon Har, State Capital Auditorium
• Responsible citizenship activities at: State Capital, Honolulu Hale, Supreme and Circut Court
• Cadets worked Ewa Emergency Preparedness Fair exhibitors to set up, demonstrate, assist visitors and clean up after exhibition
• Cadets assisted in opening and closing flag ceremonies and helped to prepare “swag” bags for the attendees at the National Guard Association of the United States exhibition in September
• The Honor Platoon (3^rd) represented YCA in the Aloha Festivals Parade; received high acclaim for their dedicated performance of Drill & Ceremony and their entertaining “free style” drill and Aloha Spirit.
• YCA team was sponsored by the Pacific Links Golf Course to compete in the Windward Mall Halloween Pumpkin Carving Festival; they earned “People’s Choice” award for depicting Marvel Comic heroes in the battle against personal and cyber bullying
• Cadets did service to community projects at the Kaneohe Marine Corps Station

– 2013 Annual Report pp. 31-32

Highlights/items of interest

Kalaeloa – Class 40 and 41

• Class 40 in-processed 120 Candidates on Jan. 21, 2014 and graduated 93 Cadets on Jun. 20, 2014, issuing 88 diplomas.
• 19 individual scholarships awarded totaling $13,500 between both classes
• Cadet Nafise Watson from class 40 and Cadets Josiah Lewis and Shelzey-Lynn Jamora Watanabe all won a $20,000 National Guard Youth Foundation scholarship
• Assisted with the Children and Youth Day at the State Capital.
• Provided over 100 hours per cadet of Service to Community for the 808 Equine Horse Rescue, Adopt-a-highway, USS Missouri, Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, Ewa Field MCAS, U.S. Coast Guard, Oahu SPCA, ARA & Okinawan Fall Festivals, Habitat for Humanity, Race for the Cure, Bellows Air Force Station, Kapolei Park, Malama Learning Center, Iroquois Park Beach, Pearl Harbor Bike Path, Naval Air Museum Barbers Point, Ka Punawai Ola Nursing Home, Camp Timberline and U.S. Vets Homeless Shelter.
• Participated in Responsible Citizenship activities at the State Capital, Honolulu Hale, Supreme and Circuit Court.

– 2014 Annual Report pp. 33-34

Items of interest

• The YCA – Hilo Campus has moved into a new facility on June 2014 at the Keaukaha Military Reservation (KMR). Having the Academy in the Community has had a positive impact on the surrounding area.

– 2014 Annual Report pp. 33-34

Youth Challenge Academy Graduates learn to Animate their Future

Royer Studios’ Animate My Action Plan is a three phase curriculum that provides an opportunity for National Guard Youth ChalleNGe cadets to use the arts as a gateway to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEAM) in the exploration of career paths. In this innovative research based program, cadets have the opportunity to expand their potential for successful, productive, and meaningful futures. Experiential workshops and mentor-ship from industry professionals help boost cadets’ confidence and motivation to pursue higher education and worthwhile careers.

Animate My Action Plan is presented by Royer Studios and National Guard Youth Foundation and sponsored by the Office of Naval Research.

Learn More animatemyactionplan.com

– 2018 Spring Pupukahi pp. 24

Youth Challenge cadets get in holiday spirit

The cadets of Class 49 decided to give back to the community by making a Fun Fair for the surrounding community and the National Guard Soldiers and Families. The cadets decided what Halloween games and activities to do at the Fun Fair. They also and designed and made each booth. The Fun Fair was held on the Oahu campus parking lot and Halloween prizes were donated from Longs Drugs Hawaii.

Class 49 third battalion also helped the Airman of HIANG HQ celebrate the holidays during their holiday lunch recently. The cadets decorated the hall at the direction of Tech. Sgt Michelle Shue and, served food to the Airman and alumni members of headquarters.

– 2018 Winter Pupukahi pp. 8

Our Youth CHalleNGe Academy Kalaeloa campus graduated its “Golden” Class 50 and celebrated their 25^th year. Both the Kalaeloa and Hilo campus cadets continue to graduate productive citizens back into our communities

– 2019 Annual Report pp. 1

Highlights

Kalaeloa Class 50 and 51

• Celebrated 25 years of service.
• White House Initiative Funds Awarded to YCA to create vocational training and continued education for the Cadets.
• 98% graduation rate for past the 6 years.
• New Workforce Development Diploma implemented in class 51. Teaching the Cadets soft skills needed to become effective and efficient workers in the job force.
• “Service to Community” projects value is worth more than $300,000 per class; including beach cleanups, etc.
• Initiated the Lemon Tree project, cadets learned subjects of agriculture, farm-to-table, culinary, ecology, and water conservation.
• 44% of Class 50 graduates received employment through various partnerships.
• 80% of Cadets passed and completed vocational training in automotive, culinary, office assistant, restaurant service and rise as leader courses, as well as lifeguard training.

– 2019 Annual Report pp. 36

Hawaii Youth Challenge Academy Cadet overcomes biggest obstacle yet; the challenge for change

HI-DOD PA | Story: Krystal Kawabata | Photos: Tech. Sgt. Andrew Jackson

Many high school students are excited about graduating this year, but none quite like Cadet Periphery Aunu.

Aunu, who is enrolled at Kalaeloa’s Youth Challenge Academy, has come a long way in just the past six months since starting the program.

“Before coming to Youth Challenge, I experienced a life on the streets,” said Aunu.

Like many of the other Cadets that Youth Challenge services, Aunu was facing homelessness. A problem that only turned darker as he tried to find a way out.

“It was a struggle,” recalled Aunu. “I didn’t like it, so I had to find a way to provide for myself, which led to me selling drugs. I sold drugs because that was the only way to keep my mind off the struggles I had. As we got a roof over our head, again it was still a struggle. We didn’t have enough money to pay for our food, because it would all go to rent.”

Aunu says he was just trying to survive, so keeping up with homework was put on the back burner.

“I was slacking on school, because I thought this struggle was more important. So I thought school wasn’t going to help me at all at that point.”

With slipping grades and seemingly nowhere left to turn, Aunu was recommended to the Youth Challenge by his high school counselor.

To Aunu, it turned out to be one of the best decisions of his life.

“Youth Challenge Academy opened me up and gave me the opportunity to think about my future,” said Aunu

A future that’s big as it is bright, as Youth Challenge Academy Director Sina Atanoa will tell you.

“As part of the 80% of the Cadets that are labeled ‘at risk-youth,’ Cadet Aunu is on his way to greater things and no longer being categorized as an “at-risk youth,” but ‘at promise youth,’ said Atanoa. “He has a promising future ahead of him.”

“He remembers one quote I gave during my speech for PreChallenge Graduation and states that he tries to live by. The number one reason why people give up so fast is because they tend to look at how far they still have to go instead of how far they have gotten.’ Cadet Aunu is on his way to graduating from the program and has been able to succeed in many of the facets that this program has to offer.”

Aunu is currently in the Culinary Vocational Training through Leeward Community College and now plans on joining the Hawaii Army National Guard.

“He now has a plan and the tools necessary for him to succeed once he has graduated from our program,” said Atanoa.

And he’ll have help, as a personally picked out mentor guides the way.

“He’s been a really good mentor,” said Aunu. “It’s really important, this program, it’s not an easy program. Like the director said, only the strong last. The strong will make it through.”

And thanks to Youth Challenge, Aunu knows he’s one of them. Beating the odds, even when it didn’t always seem like they were in his favor.

“Looking back the past me till now. I changed a lot,” said Aunu. “If it was me back then, I wouldn’t think about going to school, applying for a job, I wouldn’t think about any of this.”

– 2019 Winter Pupukahi pp. 2

Youth Challenge Academy Cadets get clearer path for future after career fair

HI-DOD PA | Story: Krystal Kawabata

Dozens of Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy Cadets from Kalaeloa class 51 attended a career fair on Nov. 15, to get a better idea of what they want to do with their future. Each class at Youth Challenge Academy has a career fair set up for them right before graduation.

This year, over 21 vendors attended, including businesses, colleges, and military recruiters. The Cadets took a checklist and stopped at every booth to learn more information about each one and see if any sparked their interest.

“There’s multiple different careers and opportunities for us to look into,” said Cadet Mackenzie Bewley, one of the numerous attendees. “We ask them questions, things that we are interested in, get job applications, information about fees, and learn about scholarship funds that we can get ahold of. It’s great because you wouldn’t get this if you were in high school.”

And getting a boost to put the Cadets leveled with the rest of their teen peers is important. All the Cadets enrolled into the Youth Challenge Academy program dropped out of high school or weren’t on track to graduate on-time. Many of them also dealt with challenges outside school; including homelessness, drug abuse, or family problems.

The Youth Challenge Academy’s goal is to provide them with an opportunity to catch up on their school credits, provide them with a safe and conducive environment to grow in, and set them up for longterm success – whether that be going to college or getting a steady job. Youth Challenge Academy Program Coordinator Brandon Suzuki explains they also taught them the skills required to getting and maintaining work.

“We teach them career search, work ethics, writing a proper job application … and from there they build their resume,” said Suzuki. “They also do a mock interview where we can tell them what their strengths and weaknesses are, so they’re prepared to talk to the different vendors.”

But just because they’ve now graduated from the nearly six-month program and have begun to choose their next path in life, doesn’t mean they’ll be facing it alone. Each Cadet has been set up with a personal mentor that will keep them accountable for the next year.

“The mentor’s part of this program is the biggest part,” said Youth Challenge Academy Director Sina Atanoa.

The mentors have to be someone outside of the Cadet’s family and will check in periodically with them, assuring they’re one step closer to a brighter future.

“There is still work to be done,” said Atanoa. “There is still a lot of work on our part to do to make these guys ready. I wouldn’t call it a success yet, but we’re working towards it.”

– 2019 Winter Pupukahi pp. 12

Kalaeloa

• 10 of 42 ChalleNGe Programs remained open during COVID-19 pandemic.
• Class 52 graduated 50 on May 30^th and 20 on June 12, 2020; 24 graduated with the HiSET credential, 20 graduated with the Workforce Development diploma and earned their National Work Readiness Credential.
• Class 52 had four graduates enlist in active-duty military service during their 1^st month in Post Residential Phase.
• Three graduates of Class 52 progressed in their studies through Credit Recovery. They returned to their public high school to graduate with their class.
• Teen Outreach Program conducted their “Service to Community” project with a houseless village in Wai‘anae Boat Harbor. Cadets sewed face masks and made hand sanitizer to be donated to the community.
• Leeward Community College’s Office of Continuing Education and Workforce Development continued vocational training through the pandemic. Ten completed the Basic Automotive course, nine completed the Basic Culinary course, six completed the Guest Service Gold course, four completed the Office Administrative & Technology course, and 16 completed the Driver’s Education course.
• Kalaeloa operates on a ‘closed campus’ status. No outside visitors, parents, or providers are allowed on campus, only Cadets and academy staff. Support services continue through a virtual platform

Hilo

• Hilo graduated 109 Cadets, awarding 60 High School Equivalency Test Diplomas and 109 Workforce Development Diplomas.
• Acclimation phase, the first two weeks of the program, was held at the Pohakuloa Training Area. Commonly known as PTA, it is located between Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and the Hualālai Volcanic Mountains. During this time, Candidates were trained and tested to become Cadets of YCA.
• Cadets participated in the Big Island Adventure Challenge hosted by Hilo High School JROTC. It was a two-day event with teams from O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island. Cadets performed well, placing 1^st in the mixed team event and 2^nd place in both the male and female competitions.
• The Hawai‘i National Guard Youth Challenge Academy Hilo campus, along with the Kalaeloa Campus, were one of two schools that remained open and continued to educate Cadets when the COVID-19 pandemic began.
• Instead of going out into the community to conduct service to community projects, Cadets learned how to operate sewing machines. With the help and donations of material from families, Cadets made face masks to donate to organizations in our community.
• Initiated the Civil Air Patrol – Airport Marshalling Certificate; Blue Zones Project at YCA; OSHA 10-hour Construction Safety Card; STARBASE Robotics STEM program; The KMR Environmental Hybrid Ecosystem; and First Annual YCA-Hilo Aviation Day and Fly In

– 2020 Annual Report pp. 34

Youth Challenge Academy Takes Top Three Places

State of Hawaii, Department of Defense, Public Affairs Office | Story by Bernhard Lashleyleidner

The Hawaii National Guard’s Youth Challenge Academy Kalaeloa (HIYCA-K) cadets won first, second and third place in the virtual Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Physical Fitness competition on Mar 30, 2021.

The cadets competed against 14 other schools from across the island in the novice category. Each school had an opportunity to enter up to five, four-person teams for the fitness challenge in the novice or open category. HIYCA had a total of five teams competing in the virtual challenge.

Cadets submitted prefilmed videos of themselves performing six exercises for judging with winners selected in early April.

Participants were judged on the number of repetitions they correctly completed during the six-minute time limit with one-minute for each of the following exercises: shoulder taps, push-ups, flutter kicks, mountain climbers, sit-ups and burpees.

“Six minutes felt like forever,” said Cadet Albert Albert, Kalihi. “We did additional PT sessions to help us train.”

Albert said the reason for their success was because they focused on performing the six exercises within six minutes consistently.

He mentioned that he was scared and didn’t think, he would be able to complete the exercises in the allotted time and was very tired after doing the final exercise of burpees.

“Everyone was struggling while doing the sit-ups,” said Albert. “It seemed easy to me, because that’s my strength.”

When the director announced our team had won third place we began to scream for joy and didn’t even hear him announce that we had also won first and second place as well.

“I was shocked when the results were announced,” said Albert. “I didn’t think we were that good.”

Brig Gen (Ret) Bruce Oliveira, Director community programs, said he was not surprised the cadets had won the top three places in the virtual JROTC Physical Fitness competition.

“Physical fitness is an integral part of cadet life,” said Oliveira. “Mastery of the physical fitness component is an indication of a cadet’s progress through the academy.”

The HIYCA program academic classes are grounded on the high school equivalency test (HiSET) curriculum with the Adult Basic Education norm test and serves to evaluate educational performance and progress.

“At-Promise Youth” completing the Hawaii National Guard Youth ChalleNGe program are more likely than their at-risk counterparts to have obtained a GED or high school diploma,” said Oliveira

Albert said if it wasn’t for the program, he would be getting into trouble and smoking his life away.

– 2021 Spring Pupukahi pp. 5

Youth Challenge Cadets prepare for graduation in a post COVID environment

Hawai‘i State Department of Defense | Story by Tori Hirokawa | Sunday, March 6, 2022

HILO, KAPOLEI – The Youth CHalleNGe Academies (YCA) in Hilo and Kapolei are preparing to welcome friends and family back to graduation ceremonies this spring, following a suspension of in-person external events during COVID-19. While the pandemic caused considerable logistical difficulties for both campuses and temporarily curtailed traditions like Family Day, the YCA Hilo campus managed to find a silver lining: introducing a Culture Day event.

“When we created Culture Day it was during the pandemic, because we needed to connect again,” says Interim Director of Hilo YCA Kaipua‘ala Lewis. “We didn’t have our families, so we needed that connection.”

Culture Day offered not only the opportunity for cadets to connect with one another, but to explore cultural backgrounds that interest them. Cadets were divided into groups; each studied the food, style of dance, traditional wear, and other components that were then shared with everyone on Culture Day. Class 22, which graduated in December of 2021, even prepared a traditional Hawaiian imu as part of their food exploration.

The Hilo YCA programs have a high percentage of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander youth that participate. For Lewis, this is a chance to ensure that the cadets achieve the eight core components of the program — academic excellence, health and hygiene, job skills, leadership, life coping skills, community service, physical fitness, and responsible citizenship—in addition to understanding the meaning of Aloha, finding ways to connect to the ocean, and the ‘aina.

“They’re looking to connect with a group to be a part of something when they come here,” Lewis said. “We’re able to engage them in activities, which includes ocean activities. We also have our university and agricultural partners in areas where we take the cadets to perform community service, and they reconnect with the ‘aina. In doing so, everybody just feels that sense of belonging.”

An inclusive and supportive environment is vital to success during the 22-week residential program that cadets complete. The National Guard Youth Challenge Program seeks out ‘at-promise youth,’ who have the potential to succeed in a regimented environment but are often targeted as being at risk for substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and criminal offenses. All cadets enrolled in the program are ages 16 to 18 and are no longer attending high school. Many of the teens who find themselves attending YCA have come from environments where support has not always been given.

“When they come in, it’s a huge transition for them because some of their freedoms are restricted and then we focus on rebuilding,” Lewis says. “We have the structure and the discipline, and you have many of the cadets who didn’t have any of that in their own household.”

Cadets entering the program sometimes experience a rough start, as the shock of not having access to electronics and the internet, and the absence of their peers or partners settles in.

“For those first two weeks, they’re constantly wanting to go home, begging us to release them,” Lewis says. “By the fifth week everyone is usually on board. They’re gaining self-esteem and even trying out for a student body government position, really participating. Those are huge moments for us, because we can see them creating a stronger foundation for themselves.”

The length of the program encourages cadets to disconnect from the outside world and focus on who they want to become in their new future. It also requires them to improve their communication skills, by writing letters to their parents and earning bi-monthly phone calls, in lieu of the ability to text or call whenever they want. For Lewis, this is a challenge that ultimately rewards cadets and their family members.

“They learn to communicate appropriately, and better, with the people that they love and care for,” Lewis said. “The lasting thing for me is when I’m able to witness the growth of the relationship between a parent and their child throughout their time here at the Academy.”

Family and friends will be gathering to cheer on graduating cadets from Class 23 in Hilo on June 17^th.

– 2022 Spring Pupukahi pp. 12

Hawai‘i Youth Challenge Academy holds first in-person graduation since COVID-19, receives accreditation

Courtesy Story | Thursday May 26, 2022

Thursday May 26, the Hawai‘i Youth Challenge Academy at Kalaeloa was proud to recognize the accomplishments of its 83 graduates from Class 56 at the Academy’s first in-person graduation ceremony since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Class 56 is also the program’s first graduating class in Hawai‘i to leave the program with a 100% post-program employment rate, and official accreditation status by Cognia, which represents 21,800 public and private education systems across the United States.

“You are here tonight because of your determination and strength to get things done, for yourself and others,” said First Lady of Hawai‘i Dawn Amano-Ige, who opened the ceremony. “You have made our community a better place through your restoration and conservation projects. The work you did contributes to a more sustainable Hawai‘i and preserves our community.”

Some of the notable achievements of the 83 cadets of Class 56 include 500 hours of academics (per cadet), 4,728 collective hours of community service, volunteering at events for veterans, and inaugural Youth Empowerment events at Kuhio Park Towers and Pālolo Valley Homes, where more than 1,000 pounds of food, household goods, and clothing were distributed to underserved families.

“What is important for each of you to know is that you have given yourselves a second chance. Each of you has the potential to achieve greatness, to be anything you want to be,” said Congressman Kai Kahele, who was also in attendance. “And from this day forward, never look back. Set your sights on the next horizon, the next great challenge, and be the person you want to be.”

With each cadet having obtained employment or enlisting in military service before graduating, they will be well-equipped for future endeavors, leaving the program with their American Red Cross CPR/First Aid and AED and OSHA certifications. Some cadets also became certified as American Red Cross Lifeguard Professional Rescuers, forklift operators, and in culinary exploration. The Academy’s new accreditation status also means that current and future cadets will have more options when it comes to career paths.

“Accreditation means meeting high-quality standards at all times with contemporary perspectives to give our students the best educational opportunities,” said Bruce Oliveira, Director of Civil-Military Programs for the State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense. “YCA accreditation means our graduates have greater access to federal loans, scholarships, higher education, and military programs that require education from an accredited school.”

Following graduation, Cadet Ioane, who aspires to work in the culinary field, received an award from First Lady Ige at Washington Place on Friday, May 27^th, for his Sweet Potato Pot Pie recipe. Developed for the Hawai‘i Team Nutrition Local Recipe contest, which is part of the National School Lunch Program, the recipe will be integrated into school lunch menus in an effort to highlight the diverse cuisines of Hawai‘i that contribute to the state’s unique cultural landscape.

The Youth Challenge Academy’s mission during its 22-week in-residency program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of 16-18 year-olds who have left traditional high school settings, teaching them values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens. This award winning program has been recognized as one of the nation’s most effective and cost efficient programs for targeting youth who are at the greatest risk for substance abuse, teen pregnancy, delinquency, and criminal activity. The 22-week Residential Phase is followed by a year-long mentoring relationship with a specially trained member from each youth’s community.

View the graduation ceremony video here:

– 2022 Summer Pūpūkahi pp. 1

YCA Hilo’s Plan Bee

Youth Challenge Academy Hilo – Story by Joshua Anthony M.S.W

One of the core tenets of the Youth Challenge Academy program is to instill cadets with a sense of responsibility to their community. On the YCA Hilo campus, the kuleana (responsibility) for one’s ‘ohana (family) and the ‘āina (land) is being taught by a group of very small leaders: bees.

YCA-H’s Apiary Studies program was one of the few good things to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic when students had to remain on campus during their residency and lost most of their interaction with outside organizations. Fortunately for the cadets, a small bee colony already existed on the Keaukaha Military Reserve (KMR) in Hilo, where their educational exploration into apiary studies would begin. Funding for the program was granted by the Youth Challenge Academy Foundation to pair cadets and instructors with KMR’s Facility Administrator, Maj. Phil J. Scholten and local beekeepers who helped the YCA-H team set up and maintain their own colonies, now at ten hives strong.

Joshua Anthony, a Career Explorations Counselor with YCA-H, explains that bees do much more than just produce honey and give the occasional sting. These winged soldiers are a crucial element of our worldwide food and ecosystems and working with them is a starting point for teaching cadets skills that will eventually translate into career paths.

“The cadets from Class 21 and 22 helped to build some of the hives, learning hands-on carpentry and math skills,” Anthony says. “After the hives were constructed, cadets were responsible for painting them, which is another real-world skill for anyone in the construction or home renovation fields.”

Honeybee colony collapses have become a more frequent problem around the world, so maintaining a healthy hive that is free of pests and threats is a key component to the program’s success. Cadets and staff inspect the hives on a regular basis, making sure invasive mites and beetles are removed. This interaction benefits not only the bees, but the cadets as well.

“We’re not a therapeutic program, but we have seen a lot of benefits for those interacting with the bees, with as many as 50,000 living in one hive,” Anthony says. “Counselors have observed cadets struggling with PTSD, ADHD, and anxiety finding themselves gaining a sense of purpose and accomplishment when working in the apiary.”

The Apiary Studies program also aligns with YCA-H’s commitment to helping Native, Indigenous, and Pacific Islander cadets reconnect with the land and its natural inhabitants. Between beekeeping and learning how to preserve and manage small portions of land, cadets will be well-situated for agricultural careers once finishing the program.

“This helps them to understand not only who they are, but also the importance of food sustainability, a healthy diet, and healthy resource management,” said Anthony.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is another core tenant of the YCA program, and YCA-H seeks to do that by teaching the cadets how to reduce the amount of refined sugar that they consume, by using natural substitutes like honey. Honey has also long been recognized for some of its medicinal properties.

Cadets maintaining the apiary are given jars of fresh honey as a reward for their hard work. The rest makes its way into the local community as a vehicle for raising money used to teach cadets financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and how to market their products. The funds are used to purchase project supplies, and any leftover honey is gifted to community partners.

“Our hope for the future is to continue to produce completely organic, hand-harvested, locally sourced honey for our community,” Anthony says. “We also hope to grow our hive count and ‘pay it forward’ by building more hives for other interested organizations, and for those serving our local population’s food sustainability needs. It really is Hawai‘i in a jar.”

– 2022 Summer Pūpūkahi pp. 12

Youth Challenge Academy Class 57 – Drill and Ceremony

“One team, one fight, one family.” – Sina Atanoa, Director, Hawai‘i Youth Challenge Kalaeloa.

Second Platoon took the win for the Class 57 Drill & Ceremony event, held on August 31, 2022 on the 29^th IBCT campus. Three platoons participating overall in the competition, demonstrating their marching and formation capabilities. The contest was close, with First Platoon missing out on the title after missing three commands.

“That’s the detail in which we had to make that decision,” said SSG Chris Cluney, a guest judge for the competition. “If they [First Platoon] made those three commands, they would have won.”

He also acknowledged Third Platoon, the only all-female group at YCA-K this year, who faced the biggest challenge with just ten members on the team. “The magnifying glass on you guys was a lot bigger than the other two platoons. To be marching with a small unit like you guys, it’s really hard.” – Registration for the spring semester is now open on both campuses. Please visit https://dod.hawaii.gov/yca/apply/ for more information.

– 2022 Fall Pūpūkahi pp. 20

50 Classes and 25 Years Later: Youth Challenge Academy Graduate Returns to Stage

State of Hawaii, Department of Defense, Public Affairs Office | Story by Victoria Hiraoka | Wednesday, December 17, 2022

In December of 1997 Lurline Holly sat alongside her fellow Youth Challenge Academy (then known as Youth Challenge Program, still in its pilot program years) cadets, graduating from five months of intense physical, academic, and social education. Proud family and friends who attended graduation 25 years ago had the same hope for their cadets that our current classes do: please, let this be the change.

Now working as a Support Operations Chief for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Major Holly, draped in lei and in uniform, returned to the graduation stage on Thursday, December 15 at the Waikiki Shell to speak to the graduates of Class 57. “I know you guys are sitting at the position of attention, but I hope you’re really listening, because I’m talking to you guys,” Maj. Holly said, turning to address Class 57.

Her keynote speech included briefly speaking about the hardships and loneliness that shaped much of her youth, but the reality of her adolescence and the path that led her to the YCA is a complex, compelling story that many socioeconomically disadvantaged parents and youth in Hawai‘i continue to experience.

Maj. Holly’s life started in the way that many of Hawai‘i’s lower middle-class families do, with two parents working full-time who made sure that she had a safe place to live, food to eat, and someone to care for her. With her mother taking the bus from one job to another during the day, her father, who worked nights, took on the bulk of parenting, enrolling her in violin lessons at four and judo at six. He was strict with high expectations for his only daughter, ensuring she kept high grades throughout elementary and most of middle school.

At 13, everything in Holly’s life changed. Her father left without much warning, forcing her mother to split her time across three waitressing jobs to make ends meet. In a short amount of time, Holly went from living in a typical nuclear family to being a teenager in a single-parent household with little supervision.

According to Hawai‘i Health Matters, Hawai‘i’s single-parent household rate currently hovers a little over 20 percent but was nearly 30 percent while Holly was growing up. This is in addition to over 30 percent of households where adults are employed but are unable to afford basic necessities, in addition to an increase in the state’s cost of living.

Financial scarcity and a lack of supervision pushed Holly off the path her father had set for her, and into the darker corners of adolescence. Abandoning the violin and judo, her growing anger wound through every aspect of her life, including the friends she sought out. By 14 she was drinking daily, running away, and found herself caught up in an abusive relationship with an older man. Her ear still bears the scar where he sliced it open with a piece of glass.

“He told me I would never amount to anything,” Holly recalled over lunch at Zippy’s. “He tried to kill me. He put me in the hospital. I was 14.”

Despite attempts by her mother to right the ship by sending her to live with family, using church resources, and even intervention by law enforcement, Holly’s behavior would not be swayed as time went on. One day, while attending Pearl City High school, a counselor in formed Holly that she wasn’t going to graduate. She had passed the point of no return.

“I didn’t care,” she recalls. “That’s when the counselor told my parents about the Youth Challenge program.”

The challenge aspect is what finally galvanized Holly. She had decided that if they were going to try and break her, she would show them that she was stronger; she could be broken by no one. The harder they made the program, the harder she worked.

“I thought, ‘I’m not scared!’” she laughs. “That aspect of Youth Challenge, because they tried to make it hard, is what encouraged me. I wanted to be able to say, ‘you can’t break me.’ In my opinion, that’s the genius of the program.”

Holly’s former Cadre, Chris Slavens, who began working with Youth Challenge during Class 1, agrees. “Holly was a status quo candidate,” he said. “She was ready for the challenge, determined that no one would break her.”

For Slavens, there was no drive to ‘break’ cadets with that much motivation. A former military man himself, Slavens is a big believer in self-accountability for everyone going through the program. Incoming cadets, including Holly, had to sign an agreement with Slavens stating that they would adhere to the program’s rules and accept the consequences of not doing so.

“When I’m not around, what keeps you on the right path?” he mused. “It can’t be me. It has to be you.”

With the program in its inception stages during Slavens’ time with the academy, he recalled that it was a learning curve for everyone. “The kids were running circles around us. They taught us as much as we did them.” When asked if he had any advice for current cadre, he was quick to answer.

“Don’t let them be their own worst enemy, because they will,” he said. “If we’re not controlling the outcome, who is?” His biggest concern was that the kids choose a different, better path when they leave the program.

“This isn’t a joke,” he said of cadets who leave the academy and fall back into their old habits. “This is what is on the line for us, the cadets’ lives.”

Bad habits are one of the great risks for cadets leaving the program. Though she graduated the program, Holly found it easy to slide back into bad habits when she left, moving in with her father in a boarding house. Holly’s father made her sign an agreement upon her return, stating that she would either attend college and earn a minimum of a C in each class, or she would join the military. Holly signed it and began college courses, but it wasn’t long before she was skipping classes, and hanging around with a rougher crowd than she had been before. Without the supervision, structure, and routine it was easy to forget her accomplishments. Her father didn’t forget, however; with failing college grades, he sent Holly to enroll in the Army.

“Basic training was a walk in the park compared to Youth Challenge,” she recalled. “At Youth Challenge my hands were so calloused from doing pushups on the blacktop, I was so used to PT, marching, making my bunk, and having people yell at me, so it was like nothing to me. Youth Challenge really set me up for success.”

A pivotal moment came when Holly heard from one of her friends back home. “When I was in boot camp, my friend wrote to me and said that all of the people we were hanging out with went and robbed a bank. They all got caught and went to jail,” she says. “I think about that. Had I not left before that happened, how easily I could have been caught up in that.”

The transition period between the end of the YCA program and the beginning of the next stage of a cadet’s life is often the most precarious part. That is one of the main reasons each YCA cadet has a mentor, whose job is to check in with the cadets during and after the program to ensure their success. For Maj. Holly, her mentor made such a difference in her life that they remain in touch to this day.

Lara Katine was an Athletic Director at Barbers Point when she first heard about the Youth Challenge program needing mentors. Wanting some purpose in life, she signed up and was paired with Holly.

“When I met her, she was polite, respectful, and so grateful,” Katine recalls. “We usually went to the bowling center or the snack bar. We’d grab a burger and talk, and she really opened up to me.”

Katine quickly began to look forward to the time she spent with Holly, remembering how much it changed her own life, even after Holly graduated from the program. “Any encouragement I could give her to stay on track and stay focused, I would.”

After Holly began her career in the military, Katine received a letter in the mail. Holly had written to thank her for everything, and to let her know that she was doing well in the Army. Katine recalls all of this with a great fondness that still brings tears to her eyes even now.

“She made me want to take on more,” Katine says. “She told me I really made a difference in her life, and I feel like I did! Now, she’s going to take that and make a difference in other kids’ lives.”

Katine is right; during the Class 57 graduation, several cadets wiped tears away after hearing Holly talk about the difficulty of being a kid with no resources, and what it was like to not feel good enough in life. A meet-and-greet with Holly and the cadets earlier this year gave Class 57 the chance to see what they have the potential to become, if they are willing to let go of their old lives.

Holly and Katine were finally reunited at the graduation ceremony, where she was introduced to Holly’s husband and young daughter. “It was so wonderful, and I was so proud,” Katine says.

While Slavens was not able to attend in person, he did have advice for all past, present, and future cadets. “You’re stubborn about all the wrong things,” he says. “Be stubborn about the things that tomorrow you will be thankful for, not the ones you’ll be regretful for.”

Slavens words ring true for Holly, who has shown remarkable strength in her accomplishments 25 years after finishing the Youth Challenge program, standing on stage in front of state senators, military leaders, friends, family, and the graduating cadets. Though her voice waivered, her resolve did not during her final address to the crowd.

“Without this program, people like me would not be in the position that I am today, to give back.”

– 2022 Winter Pūpūkahi pp. 1 & 14-15

Youth Challenge Academy Females Takes Third Place

State of Hawai‘i, Department of Defense, Public Affairs Office | Story by Bernhard Lashleyleidner

Kapolei, Hawai‘i – The Hawai‘i National Guard’s Youth Challenge Academy (HIYCA) female cadets win third place in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Physical Fitness competition Mar 4, 2023, at Kapolei High School.

The HIYCA female cadets won third place in the Fitness challenge with a time of one hour, four minutes and four seconds.

“I was shocked when they said we had won third place,” said cadet Ciatacecilia Kuka from America Samoa. “We were not ready to compete.”

Kuka a soft-spoken and very religious young lady said they found out last night they would be competing today, and she gives all her thanks to God for their win.

“We prayed last night and today, said Kaku. “We asked God to help us in the fitness challenge.”

The final trophy awarded of the day was the largest and most elaborate “The Motivation Trophy,” which stood four feet tall, was awarded to the defending champions HIYCA for their outstanding motivation throughout the fitness competition.

“Winning third place in the female category was nice,” said cadet Malie-Vivian Barros. “But being able to defend the motivation trophy the previous class had won was much better.”

Master Gunnery Sgt. Damion Moreno, Marine Corps Instructor for Kapolei High School, said to see HIYCA cadets marching from their campus to the school motivated and pumped up was a testament to their spirits.

“HIYCA cadets not only motivated their team, but the teams in front and behind them,” said Moreno. “We all have our challenges, but if we put forth the best effort we have, we can achieve success.”

Each school had an opportunity to enter up to three, four person teams for the fitness challenge, male, female and mixed teams.

Participants were judged on correctly completing each of the following exercises: 400-meter liter carry, K.I.M.S. memory game, 2-mile run with 30 lbs. ammo can, 100-meter buddy drag, 100-meter water jug carry, knot tying, bendand thrusts (100 repetitions), map reading, 50 lbs. bag run and K.I.M.S. game completion.

“We were a last-minute entry and a little nervous that we wouldn’t do well,” said cadet Malie-Vivian Barros from Kunia. “We only had a day to train on the map reading and knot tying.”

The cadets pushed themselves through fatigue and exhaustion to complete each challenge with the help of their fellow fitness teammates running alongside them and cheering them on.

“I want the male cadets to know that females can compete at a high level too,” said Kuka.

Barros said she wanted to be a part of the fitness team to get in better shape and improve her communication and leadership skills.

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Bruce Oliveira, Civilian Military Programs Director, said he was proud of what they accomplished in the JROTC physically fitness challenge.

“They are keeping with the traditions of the Youth Challenge Academy participating in these kinds of events,” said Oliveira. “They are entering week five and this was a good event for them to bond and come together as a team.”

Oliveira said the HIYCA program keeps the cadets for 22 weeks and works with them academically to prepare them to take and pass the high school equivalency test (HiSET) examination.

“At-Promise Youth” completing the Hawai’i National Guard Youth ChalleNGe program and pass the HiSET receive their high school diploma,” said Oliveira. “Every cadet has a unique talent and it’s our job to bring it out.”

Barros said coming to HIYCA really opened her eyes to the many possibilities in life. Her goal is to become a mentor to her siblings and keep them on the right track.

All four cadets’ goal is to serve in the military once they complete the program to give back to their families.

– 2023 Spring Pūpūkahi pp. 4

A Love Letter to Samoa from Kuka

Much like Hawai‘i’s iconic 808 area code represents home for many locals, Cadet Ciatacecilia Kuka wants her 684 and 685 families in American Samoa to know that she carries them with her as she works to complete the Youth Challenge Academy program, now in its seventh week, at the time of this writing.

“I came here because I want to pay my parents back before it’s too late,” Kuka said when asked why she decided to attend YCA. “Being a good daughter but living there was too hard for me. I knew I had to leave them, that I had to move forward just for my future, and to make them happy.”

Kuka’s commitment to her future and her faith was on display March 4, 2023, during a JROTC competition at Kapolei High School.

“He gave me a good heart, a strong heart,” she said, speaking of God and the physical pain she felt during running portions of the competition. “But then I heard His message, and He said, ‘show them that my daughter can do what I can do.’”

Kuka, a daughter of American Samoa, credits her parents for everything they have done for her. “Everywhere I go, I always put my last name in front of me. Kuka, everywhere.”

When asked what she was hoping to get out of the Youth Challenge Program, her reply was simple. “Everything. I want everything.”

Ciatacecilia Kuka

– 2023 Spring Pūpūkahi pp. 5

Partnership Providing Youth Challenge Academy Cadets With Meaningful Experiences

U.S. Army Garrison Pōhakuloa Training Area | Story by Amy Phillips | Wednesday, March 1, 2023

U.S. Army Garrison Pōhakuloa Training Area (PTA) and the Hawai’i National Guard Youth Challenge Academy (YCA) have a long-standing partnership to provide cadets with meaningful experiences such as the native tree planting initiative at PTA on February 23, 2023.

Ten female cadets from the academy were provided information on PTA’s native plants planting initiative and shown how to properly plant trees by natural resources staff.

“We have a duty to preserve our surroundings, and the cadets definitely understood that as they planted each tree,” said PTA Command Sgt. Maj. Jessica Cho. She spoke to cadets about the positive impact each person can make by taking one step at a time. Like the slow growing ohia tree, she said that good things come to those that persevere and never quit. “I know that the academy provides a great environment for healing, discipline and education, and I’m happy to be able to work with them,” said Cho, who is also signing up to be a mentor.

The tree planting event supports the Responsible Citizenship component of the YCA’s eight core components, and a team work opportunity. Cadet Shaleah Tacang said she had a fun experience planting trees with her cohorts.

She has been with YCA for five weeks and hopes “to be a stronger individual and stand on my own two feet.” Tacang said she likes everything about the program because it is teaching her discipline and team work. “Most of us cope in negative ways and we’re learning to cope in positive ways, which is a really good skill that everyone should have, said Tacang.

Cadet Chanel Almonte has also been with YCA for five weeks, and is the vice president for Class of 2025. “It’s been hard but it’s helping me become stronger and more motivated,” said Almonte. “It is teaching me work ethics and team ethics and discipline.”

The YCA website states that it “is a community-based program that leads, trains and mentors 16-18-year-old high school dropouts so that they may become productive citizens in America’s future.”

“We have students from many different backgrounds…and we provide them with life skills, jobs skills, and work with them to develop goals for after graduation,” said Chastise Bacon, YCA Hilo program coordinator. She adds that these cadets are ‘at promise’ rather than ‘at risk’ to avoid a negative connotation. “At promise gives them hope,” said Bacon.

Cadets live and train at the Hilo YCA campus for a 22-week Residential Phase, and is paired with a mentor for a year to provide guidance as needed.

PTA Operations Specialist Dan Cassel has been a registered YCA mentor since 2020. “I once was a very troubled youth so I can relate to the cadets,” said Cassel. “I had a mentor when I was young so thought it would be a great opportunity to do the same.” He believes that people should consider being a mentor “to help mold these young cadets and give them guidance, hope and determination to stay on track and not give up.”

PTA Plans and Operations Specialist Staff Sgt. Kevin Antolin is a former YCA cadre, and a registered mentor. “I enjoy giving back to the organization because I believe in the program and what they do for the cadets,” said Antolin. “I have seen firsthand how YCA provides cadets the skills and hope to make important decisions to better their lives such as going to college, finding careers and joining the military.” He adds that some YCA graduates joined the Hawai’i Army National Guard and have been part of his unit.

PTA is grateful that the YCA will also participate in PTA’s April 20 Open House – Experience PTA Day which is open to the public.

– 2023 Spring Pūpūkahi pp. 10

Youth Challenge Academy – Kalaeloa Highlights

• Cadets and staff of Class 59 continued their partnership with The Blood Bank of Hawai‘i in taking time throughout the day to donate blood to those in our community who need it.
• Throughout both classes, Cadets were invited to tour several bases such as Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam as well as the Army National Guard STEM Career Day, giving thanks to our service members who provided insight into the different military occupational specialties that our cadets may be interested in, as well as assisting in boosting recruitment efforts for the Guard.
• Cadets of Class 59 participated in the annual ceremony for Veterans at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The cadets held flags for all 50 states.
• Our efforts in supporting our community led Youth Challenge to partner with Honolulu City Council Member Augie Tulba to represent the U.S and Hawai‘i flags during the Hawai‘i Hispanic Culture Event.
• Youth Challenge Academy has secured new stakeholder partnerships by 35% throughout both classes and created a diverse social community for cadets to interact and engage with the different pathways for workforce development, military pathways, and higher education.
• As a part of establishing a new stakeholder partnership, Youth Challenge Academy is grateful to partner with ABC Construction which has educated and trained cadets in using multiple construction tools, equipment, and techniques to create functional projects, and is now a part of the job challenge track.
• Youth Challenge male and female cadets received first place as the Best Motivators and the females received first place for the track event at the Kapolei Fitness Challenge.
• Youth Challenge females received first place for the fastest time, and males received third place for the day two events of the Waianae Adventure Challenge.
• Cadets of both classes have kick-started the new podcast series for the academy, which gives insight into life at the academy as well as life outside of the academy.

Youth Challenge Academy – Hilo Highlights CLASS NGB- 26

• In support of the Maui’s wildfires, the Hawai‘i National Guard Youth Challenge cadets assisted Waiākea High School at donation drop-off sites in collecting numerous household items, clothing, and food from the Big Island community. Cadets assisted with thousands of donated items, loading and unloading vehicles, and packed pallets full of items ready to be shipped to Maui. Nine cadets from the island of Maui also came to help.
• In September of 2023, the Youth Challenge male cadets got to set-up and participate in the Hawai‘i County Trek the Trail event on the Big Island. Cadets got to also participate in the Hawai‘i County Trek the Trail Peace Walk with Hawai‘i’s Mayor, Mitch Roth. This event promoted healthy living, eating healthy, and vehicle safety.
• Throughout the month of October 2023, the Youth Challenge cadets got to work with YMCA and their staff to construct YMCA’s first Community Haunted House. Using various tools and supplies, cadets got to learn how to construct a haunted house using scraps from pallets. In November, YMCA invited the Youth Challenge cadets back to assist in their first Annual Christmas Tree Sale.
• Opportunity was presented from Na Leo TV (local TV station on island) to teach the Hawai‘i National Guard Youth Challenge cadets how to use various television equipment. Cadets were able to work in teams to create their own public service announcements.

– 2024 Annual Report pp. 51-52

At-risk Teens Begin New Path as ChalleNGe Academy Graduates

By National Guard Bureau

WASHINGTON – Hundreds of young people across the nation ended 2023 by graduating from Youth ChalleNGe Academy programs that provide discipline and education to set at-risk teenagers on a path to success.

In Oahu more than 55 high school students graduated from the program Dec. 16 The Hilo Program graduated 25 students three days prior.

Through a rigorous blend of academics, physical training, leadership development and character-building activities, the quasi-military Defense Department program — implemented by the National Guard Bureau — instills in cadets the values and skills to transition to adulthood.

Vanessa Torres attended the ceremony in Baraboo, Wisconsin, to celebrate the graduation of her sister, Thanya Torres-Garcia.

“I saw a completely different person when she came home for Thanksgiving,“ Torres said. “Our conversations were open, honest and positive about her new direction in life. I could see that the ChalleNGe Academy was teaching her how to handle obstacles and move forward mentally and physically toward her goals. We are so proud of her.”

In Tacoma, Washington, Dec. 15 was graduation day for 134 cadets attending the voluntary 22-week residential “boot camp” that transforms at-risk teens into confident, capable young adults while allowing them to earn lost high school credits and get back on track to graduate.

Cadet Corporal Ethan Sands from Vancouver, Washington, struggled initially but found his way and demonstrated the kind of growth and improvement many of the graduating students exhibit.

“I learned so much from this program and so happy I came here,” he said during his speech to the audience. “I’m so grateful for the cadre and staff for motivating me to stay here.”

Following graduation, cadets return to their communities to finish high school or chase career goals through job corps, education, the military and more.

“I’m actually going to join the Army,” said Breonna Brown, one of 69 graduates of the Maryland Freestate ChalleNGe Academy program. “I’m going to be in school for social work. I’m probably going to be doing a little bit of public speaking, maybe help kids and pursuing their dreams cause it was really hard for me to pursue my own dreams because I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I was very much a follower. … Freestate taught me how to be a leader.”

Idaho cadet Chase Hayden was glad he persevered through the long days.

“After trying to run away at the beginning of the program, I am an example of having to channel your fears and not letting your failures impede your future progress,” Hayden said. “And now that I am here at the end of this five-month journey, I can look back and say I am proud of myself and my fellow cadets.”

After her mother got sick during her time at the Idaho academy, cadet Emali Steffy returned to finish in her mother’s honor.

“I worked my butt off to get this far and there is no way I was turning back,“ Steffy said. “I accomplished so many things. … I became a leader and gained a voice. I got healthier, mentally and physically. I earned 15 high school credits in only 22 weeks. I made friends and gained connections. My family became closer and became one. And I made so many people proud.”

Jim Hill, the principal of the Idaho program, said the class excelled academically, with eight cadets earning their GED diploma and 11 their high school diploma.

“I always explain to the cadets that education is something that can never be taken away from you,” Hill said.

In Wisconsin, cadets were immersed in a highly structured environment at Fort McCoy, typically starting their days at 5:20 a.m. and ending at 9 p.m., with no TV, cellphones or video games.

Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead, SEA to the chief, National Guard Bureau, encouraged the Wisconsin grads to embrace their new direction.

“You decided that who you were was not who you wanted to be, because you recognized your own potential,” Whitehead said. “You wanted more from life, and it required courage and strength to raise your hand and ask for help. Not many people do that, and I applaud you. Today you are surrounded by family and friends, not only to celebrate your incredible transformation but to support and encourage you as you begin this next chapter in your life.”

– 2024 Fall Pūpūkahi pp. 7