DREAM! BELIEVE! ACHIEVE!

The Oregon National Guard Youth Challenge Program (OYCP) is where youth turn into adults. I came to OYCP because I was behind with my high school credits and I was failing most of my classes. I needed the credits, but also the skills that came along with those credits. I’m proud of my decision to join the program. This program has given me structure, confidence and pride. We are taught job skills, how to be leaders, and how to work as a team. This program has done so much for all of us. I will leave with more determination, a stronger work ethic and a higher standard than I could have ever imagined.

I was buying marijuana at least twice a week. I chose to hang out with my drugged-out friends. I was skipping school to go to work so I could have money to support my behaviors. I used to think I could conquer the world, but the world I was in was actually conquering me. So, I decided to “grow-up.” The Oregon Youth Challenge Program was my last and only chance to do that. I talked to my school district staff and convinced my father to take me to an OYCP orientation. He was ecstatic with the thought of me getting my life back so he was all about it. I got a call one day after work that I had been accepted and knew this was the beginning of my journey to success.

My son was definitely going down a very bad road when his school talked to me about OYCP and I said NO WAY. Things got worse and we decided to go to orientation to check it out. The drive was so worth it. My son came home a different person after his few months there and he still looks back fondly of the time he spent there. I cant say enough about all the wonderful people that are working with the kids and making such a difference in their lives! Such a great program if your looking for a positive change in your childs life