Johnny Bench and Country Singer Kaley Caperton Launch PSA for National Guard Youth Foundation

Watch PSA Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQHgkQ_h9cs&feature=youtu.be

Alexandria, VA – Major League Baseball Hall of Fame Catcher Johnny Bench and Country Singer Kaley Caperton are lending their voices to the National Guard Youth Foundation (NGYF) in a new PSA to raise awareness about a program to help solve our nation’s high school dropout epidemic. The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program provides a second chance at a successful life to youth after previously dropping out of school.

“”Our Youth can use your support,” said Johnny Bench. “The dropout rate is alarming for more reasons than just giving up. The stories will bring tears to your eyes. I’ve sat with kids whose lives have been completely turned around with the help of NGYF.  Because they now have a future, they will support America and not ask for support in the future.”

“I’m proud to work with the National Guard Youth Foundation to support ChalleNGe and raise awareness of this critical program that is providing second chances to those who need it,” said Country Singer Kaley Caperton. “No certain kind of kid goes into the program, but a certain kind of kid comes out.”

The thirty-second public service announcement features Bench with music written and performed by Caperton.

“We are honored to have Johnny and Kaley help us raise awareness of the dropout issue and the opportunity the ChalleNGe program provides to youth who were not succeeding in the traditional classroom setting,” said Louis A. Cabrera, president of NGYF.  “ChalleNGe has put more than 130,000 young men and women on a path to achieve their dreams. With the help of Johnny and Kaley, perhaps more lives will be changed.”

ChalleNGe is a voluntary program for 16-18 year-olds who have dropped out of school and desire a chance to change the trajectory of their lives. It includes both a residential and post-residential phase and has been proven to boost academic achievement, college attendance and earnings. The program teaches life skills, coping techniques, increases self-confidence and addresses the underlying issues that led the youth to drop out of school.

About the National Guard Youth Foundation

The National Guard Youth Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to addressing the nation’s school dropout crisis by giving youth a second chance through the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program. NGYF advocates for and supports ChalleNGe, run by the National Guard; raises awareness of the impact that the school dropout crisis has on our society, economy and national security; and provides ChalleNGe graduates with scholarships and career support to help them continue on their path of success. For more information, visit www.ngyf.org.

About the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program

Conducted at 35 academies across the country, the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program is operated in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Defense, National Guard Bureau, state governments and local sites. The program consists of a 5 1/2-month residential phase framed around eight core components: academic excellence, responsible citizenship, physical fitness, leadership/followership, job skills, service to the community, health and hygiene and life coping skills, and a 12-month post residential phase during which mentors continue to provide guidance and support to graduates.

Helping more than 130,000 teens to date turn their lives around, ChalleNGe is recognized as among the most cost-effective, highly rated programs of its kind for youth who have dropped out of school. An independent, multi-year study of the program by MDRC shows that high school diploma/ GED attainment increased by 29%; college attendance increased by 86% and annual earnings increased by 20%. An independent cost-benefit analysis by the RAND Corporation shows a 166% return on investment in the program – every dollar spent yielded a return of $2.66 in benefits to society.