Success Stories

Jesse from Maryland
21 years old
Jesse was looking for more structure and discipline in his life when he heard about the ChalleNGe program. He credits the program for changing his life and enabling him to continue his education. Jesse received a two-year degree in advanced technical service from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and is licensed as an airframe and power plant technician. He is now working full-time as a jet mechanic.

James from West Virginia
24 years old
“After ChalleNGe, I joined the Air Force. I served four years, four months and 18 days. I served three years overseas, part of my time in Kirkuk, Iraq. After separating from the Air Force I came home and started college. I will receive an Associate’s Degree in Computer Information Technology in 2006, and plan to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree at Mountain State University. I am a member of the West Virginia Air National Guard and I have loved every minute of it.”

Rachel from Georgia
19 years old
Rachel, now a sergeant in the Army National Guard, says she had a bad attitude about everything before she joined ChalleNGe. She says she was “seventeen and mad at the world.” Rachel credits ChalleNGe with changing her attitude and helping her establish goals for herself. Each time she meets a goal she develops a renewed sense of confidence in her abilities. She how has an Associate’s Degree in Health Information Management, and plans to continue working on her Bachelor’s Degree.