Lincoln's Challenge offers Logan County's at-risk students an opportunity

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[June 21, 2013]  During this month's Logan County Board meeting as a board of whole, board member Jan Schumacher said she has been working with the coordinators of the Lincoln's Challenge Academy. Schumacher provided information for the county board members as to the specifics of the program and why it can be a great help to young people in Logan County.

The program is run by the National Guard, and at-risk students in the age range of 16 to 18 can participate. These students go through a 17-month program, with five months being spent in Rantoul, which involves military-style physical training and classroom experience, and 12 months of mentoring afterwards. There is no obligation to join the National Guard after the program ends.

Schumacher said the National Guard is looking to bring in young people from Logan County, and they are still accepting applicants for the next starting date, in mid-July, or the following start date, in January of 2014.

"Any time you can keep those kids out of that vein, we're really promoting a good society," said Terry Carlton.

Pat O'Neill and Kevin Bateman agreed that the program is a great asset, and both spoke on personal experiences with the program.

"The judges take this very seriously, and it's a very good program. … As long as the state's attorney is willing to look at it as a viable option for the kids that come through his office -- and there's other ways kids can petition to go -- it's a great program. It gives kids a chance to change their life," said Bateman.

David Hepler added that, statistically, 90 percent of the students who graduate from the program are either in college, in the military or working a year after graduation.

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Schumacher provided some additional information on the Lincoln's Challenge Academy:

Those who participate in the program can receive a GED while also learning life skills and computer skills. Other opportunities include a chance to win renewable scholarships and to take the ACT and the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.

There is no cost to students to enter the program, though the purchase of running shoes and personal hygiene products is their own responsibility. Other necessities are provided by the program.

For juveniles who have a record in the court system, there are a few guidelines. The applicant cannot be on parole or probation for any adult charges, and the program cannot be forced on them as part of their legal consequences; they must volunteer of their own accord. Applicants cannot be awaiting a sentence or be under indictment. Those who have two or more offenses have to submit a waiver.

Graduates may become eligible for financial assistance in the form of a graduation stipend.

Those who want more information or want to volunteer for the program can contact Terry Rasor, the regional coordinator, at the National Guard Armory in Decatur.

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Lincoln's Challenge Academy:
http://www.lincolnschallengeacademy.org/

[By DEREK HURLEY]

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