National Guard ChalleNGe Program Evaluation

About this grant

This grant will enable Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation (MDRC) to evaluate the Guard ChalleNGe Program, a comprehensive youth program that provides disconnected and underserved youth the opportunity to earn a high-school diploma or GED and the skills to connect to the labor market or other vocational training opportunities. The program is based on a model of discipline and high standards, and incorporates eight core components – education, life skills, leadership skills, community service, citizenship, physical fitness, health and job skills.Multiyear funding will support a random-assignment to better understand the impact and access of ChalleNGe supports on the lives of young people. The evaluation will examine education credentials, training and employment for approximately 2,000 students. The goal of the evaluation is to promote improved public policies and increased federal investments for vulnerable youth.MDRC, established in 1974, works to improve the well-being of low-income people and enhance the effectiveness of programs that serve them.