SPRINGFIELD, IL (12/16/2013)(readMedia)-- On Dec.15, 303 cadets graduated from Lincoln's ChalleNGe Academy (LCA), an Illinois National Guard administered program for at-risk youth. The ceremony for the Rantoul-based program was held at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Ill.
LCA, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in July, is one of the most successful youth challenge programs in the nation. Approximately 75 percent of LCA graduates earn their graduate equivalency diplomas, compared to the Illinois state average of 53 percent. LCA graduates can now return to their communities and demonstrate the success of this "second chance program." Lincoln's ChalleNGe consists of a 22-week residential phase conducted in a quasi-military environment followed by a 12-month post-residential phase when the cadets return to their communities.
Since 1993, 13,694 cadets have graduated the program.
For high resolution photos, please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at ng.il.ilarng.list.staff-pao@
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