New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy visits the Technical Center
By Ginger Cairnes
Today’s youth are faced with many challenges; among them are trying to complete a High School education, and possibly plan to continue on to some form of higher education. Standard public school systems are not always the answer. Lifestyles, problems at home, and outside influences often stand in the way of a student being able to achieve that which he or she is really capable. Frustration often leads to dropping out of school, and the student can easily further slip away with few, if any, goals.
There are alternatives – not necessarily a “normal alternative school”, but other institutions that provide not only courses of study, but also other knowledge leading toward success and a good self-image.
An example is the New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy, whose mission is to “provide a highly disciplined environment fostering academics, leadership development, physical training and personal growth to educate and train unemployed youth who have ceased to attend high school” – for whatever reason.
This voluntary program, in a military type setting, run by the New Jersey Air National Guard and the State of New Jersey is designed to “develop well-educated, well-rounded and productive citizens.” Studies include: Math, Science, Reading, English, History, Writing Skills, Computer courses, and Life Coping Skills. In addition to the standard studies there is a focus on life style changes, community service, self-discipline, and self-esteem. Students must be drug and alcohol free, officially withdrawn from High School and have no pending “legal involvements.”
The program has three phases. The Pre-ChalleNGe Residential Phase, the ChalleNGe Residential Phase, and the ChalleNGe Post Residential Phase.
The two-week Pre-ChalleNGe Residential Phase is probationary and teaches conduct, teamwork, leadership skills, health and hygiene, physical fitness and assesses the potential for successfully completing the program. After this phase the applicant will be considered a “cadet.” The Pre-ChalleNGe Residential Phase lasts five months during which the student also becomes part of a mentoring program. Once passing a GED and successfully passing the life skill/discipline components the student will receive a NJ State High School Diploma. During the ChalleNGe Post Residential Phase students work together with their mentors to “sustain their life style changes” and increase the chances for continued success.
After being contacted by Colonel Kenneth Prossick (RET) of the Academy, Al Jefferson called upon Ginger Cairnes to provide tours and possibly a workshop for the students.
Jim Patterson and Nick Subbotin from the Airport Technology R & D Branch welcomed the group in the auditorium at which time presentations were also made on the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Program, airport lighting, and the New Large Aircraft. After this presentation students traveled to the R & D area where Keith Bagot provided a demonstration of the ARFF’s High Performance Research Vehicle. Also while visiting the R & D area, Allan Abramowitz explained the Crashworthiness Program and showed results from previous Drop Tests.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) also peeked the students’ interest. They were able to actually sit at the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS) displays, feel the experience of “controlling traffic” and handing-off aircraft.” Assisting the students were: Ed Gaguski, Madurai Vaidyanathan, JT Skarda, Dave Cognata, John Lawson, Sue Kleva, Lee Wong, Allan Manalang, Dave Pagan, and Ernie Heinz. In addition, they had the opportunity to go up into the mock ATC Tower located in the STARS lab area.
As part of the Aviation and Space Education Programs the FAA and NASA have the SMART SKIES interactive program, a tool in which five ATC problems challenge students to safely separate two planes. ATC terminology is introduced and math, reasoning, and computer skills are called to task in “real-life” situations. Mary Lou Dordan directed the students at this workshop.
The final event for the day was a trip to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Ground Air Station located at the Tech Center. The demos and presentations by LTZachary Mathews and staff gave the group the opportunity to learn about the USCG program, climb into the choppers, and see a “search, drop, and rescue” demo. While visiting this building an actual live rescue “call” was sounded.
The pace of the day did not seem to affect the students. Not only was the discipline they receive evident, but the group also displayed a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for everything they saw taking place at the Technical Center.
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