Youth ChalleNGe Program-A Life Saving Impact

Format

Individual Presentation

Presenters

David Bill, Georgia Youth Challenge ProgramFollow

First Presenter's Institution

Georgia Youth ChalleNGe Program

First Presenter’s Email Address

david.bill@gaycp.org

First Presenter's Brief Biography

Mr. David S. Bill is the Director of Recruiting and Outreach for the Georgia Youth Challenge Program. Originally from Newport News, Virginia, he has called Georgia home since 1971 when the Air Force transferred his family to Warner Robins. He has earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, and a Master of Public Administration, both from Georgia College & State University. He also has a Master of Science in Communications and Media Studies from Walden University. His career has been a dual-tracked one with both the military and higher education. His military career covers nearly 30 years beginning when he earned his Associate Degree in Business Administration and his Commission as an Army Second Lieutenant from Georgia Military College in 1981. He served with the Georgia Army National Guard in various positions, primarily with the 48th Infantry Brigade. From a Rifle Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, Assistant Battalion Logistics Officer. He also had the honor of leading Soldiers as an Infantry Company Commander. His military career moved him into the higher education career field when he received the opportunity to return to Georgia Military College as an ROTC Instructor in 1989. He became the primary recruiter for the GMC Army ROTC program, which included Georgia College and Mercer University ROTC programs where he was able to establish an effective outreach program that increased the number of ROTC cadets for all three campuses. His assignment ended in 1992, and he was offered a position with GMC within the Admissions Department, where he served in various capacities for over 24 years guiding the GMC Corps of Cadets to a significant period of enrollment growth. In 2016, David was offered the opportunity to step into the Georgia Youth Challenge Program as Deputy Director for the newly created Milledgeville campus. After only six months, he was promoted to Interim Campus Director for the Milledgeville campus where he led the campus to its largest graduating class to date. In 2018, The State Program Director saw the need for leadership for a larger focus on state-wide recruiting operations and asked David to use his knowledge and experience to create that focus as the Director of Recruiting and Outreach for the entire state which includes three campus locations. During the past four years, David has led the effort to digitize the enrollment process which has brought significant enrollment growth to the program

Location

Session 1 Breakout (Westbrook)

Strand #1

Heart: Social & Emotional Skills

Strand #2

Health: Mental & Physical Health

Relevance

The Georgia Youth ChalleNGe Program is a voluntary alternative education program open to 16 to 18-year who are behind academically or have already left school and who are looking for a way to change their lives. Our Eight Core Components align with the development of the student's intellect and the elevation of their character through a rigorous daily routine that creates resilience and confidence for these young people so they can become productive citizens in society.

Since 1993, Georgia has graduated over 18,500 young people from this program and over 50% have earned an academic credential, either a GED or High School diploma, that provided them the ticket to a more productive future.

Brief Program Description

The Georgia Youth ChalleNGe Program is a voluntary alternative education program open to 16 to 18-year who are behind academically or have already left school and who are looking for a way to change their lives through education, service to the community, physical fitness, and life skills training. This 22-week residential military-style, tuition-free program helps young people earn their GED, or High School diploma, and offers pathways to enroll in college, enter the workforce or join the military.

Since 1993, Georgia has graduated over 18,500 young people from this program and over 50% have earned an academic credential, either a GED or High School diploma, that provided them the ticket to a more productive future.

Summary

Our Miltary Model provides the framework for our daily activities. From classroom engagement to leadership training, life skills, team-building activities, and job skills, this program creates a positive environment for these young people who often have never had a positive role model in their lives. The GAYCP is not for every youth at risk, but for those who believe in their future, this program can save their lives.

Evidence

Since 1993, the Georgia Youth ChalleNGe Program has graduated 18,300+ students from this program. Nationally, the Rand Corporation research has identified this program has been considered one of the most cost-effective and successful youth advocacy programs. When it takes close to $90,000 to incarcerate a juvenile in Georgia for a year, our program costs $20,000 for a much more positive outcome by providing the tools and focus on a brighter future for these youth at risk.

Learning Objective 1

Understand the mission of the Georgia Youth ChalleNGe Program (GaYCP): "Through training, discipline, and mentoring, the Georgia National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program provides the education, leadership, character development, and life coping skills to Georgia's youth so they may become successful members of society."

Learning Objective 2

Note that the focus population for the GaYCP are 16-18 year old Georgia students who have dropped out or are at risk of not completing high school.

Learning Objective 3

Recognize the eight Core Components that are the focus of the GaYCP: Education Excellence, Life Coping Skills, Job Skills, Leadership/Followership, Responsible Citizenship, Service to Community, Health & Hygiene, and Physical Fitness.

Presentation Year

2023

Start Date

3-6-2023 10:15 AM

End Date

3-6-2023 11:30 AM

Recommended Citation

Bill, David, "Youth ChalleNGe Program-A Life Saving Impact" (2023). National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference. 3.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/nyar_savannah/2023/2023/3