PINEVILLE, La. – One hundred thirty cadets graduated from the Louisiana National Guard’s Youth Challenge Program Class 2025-1 during a Dec. 13 ceremony at the Randolph Riverfront Center in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Family, friends and service members gathered to recognize the cadets’ completion of the 22-week residential phase of the alternative education program for youth ages 16–19.
The Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program has produced more than 28,000 graduates over the past three decades and accounts for about 14 percent of all Youth Challenge Program graduates nationwide, leading the nation in annual graduation totals.
The Youth Challenge Program provides cadets an opportunity to change the direction of their lives through discipline, personal development and teamwork. The program emphasizes eight core components, including academic excellence, job skills, responsible citizenship, leadership, health and hygiene, community service and physical fitness.
Presiding over the ceremony were Col. Kevin W. James, commander of the 199th Regiment (Regional Training Institute); Lt. Col. Kenneth D. Paul, director of Louisiana National Guard Education Programs; and State Rep. Mike Johnson from District 27.
“I want to thank the parents,” Paul said. “You will see a different person from the one you dropped off 22 weeks ago. Please allow them to grow, fail and learn as they readjust to returning home.”
Johnson commended the cadets for their commitment and perseverance.
“You chose discipline, structure and purpose over the easy way,” Johnson said. “I am proud of each of you and your families.”
The Youth Challenge Program consists of two phases. Phase I is a 22-week, residential, military-style program focused on academic and life skills in a structured environment. Phase II is a 12-month post-residential phase during which case managers and community mentors help cadets pursue the goals they set during Phase I.
Cadet Makhi E. Matthews of Baton Rouge was named Cadet of the Cycle.
“From intake day to graduation, I learned three simple words: Just do better,” Matthews said. “Thank you to the staff and counselors for showing me how those words can make a difference.”
Class 2025-1 achieved significant academic, professional and community milestones. Thirteen cadets ranked in the top 10% academically and earned gold stoles. Sixty-eight cadets were selected for the Job Challenge Program in Carville, while 18 participated in the Jobs for America Program. Twelve cadets received scholarships totaling $12,000 from partner organizations. The class also completed 5,574 hours of community service, averaging 43 hours per cadet.
Throughout the cycle, cadets received 12,726 letters from family members and supporters, providing encouragement and motivation.
Since 1993, more than 145,000 cadets have graduated from Youth Challenge Programs nationwide. In Louisiana, the Youth Challenge Program operates at Camp Beauregard in Pineville; Camp Minden, near Bossier City and Shreveport; and the Gillis W. Long Center near Baton Rouge.