Jun. 15—WILKES-BARRE — 52 cadets from the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy graduated this week from the 22-week residential phase of the program on their way to a brighter future.
The KSCA is designed to give challenged teens a second chance at obtaining their basic education and the opportunity to learn leadership, self-discipline, and responsibility while working toward finishing their education and building a better life.
In addition to their academic work, the cadets also attended classes that help prepare them for a future career, such as creating resumes, National Guard Employment Network accounts, and Indeed accounts. Other career-focused opportunities included access to thousands of certifications through IBM Workspace and Coursera.
Academy programming also introduced the cadets to the importance of community service. Cadets learned the value of giving back by volunteering at food banks, assisting with the annual March for the Fallen, and maintaining cemetery, park, and military ceremony grounds.
The cadets will now complete a 24-month mentorship phase of the program throughout various communities while they continue their education, join the workforce, or enter the military.
“This class of cadets brought an energy and level of focus that was extremely impressive,” said Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “That is exemplified by the remarkable 88% retention rate since day one of the program. The caliber of cadets, level of training, and incredibly committed staff all equate to the success that this program has been enjoying, and the great reputation the academy is developing. Best wishes to these young men and women as they enter the mentorship phase of the program.”
The opening of the academy at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County in July 2022 formally established the National Guard Bureau’s Youth ChalleNGe Program in Pennsylvania.
The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who are failing to progress in high school or may not be on a clear path to graduating. Applicants must be willing to be drug-free, free of felony convictions, and voluntarily commit to the program. The first 22 weeks of the program consist of residential training at FTIG followed by 24 months of mentorship back in their home communities.
The KSCA is a joint effort between the DMVA and the National Guard Bureau in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
The KSCA is now accepting applications for its next class, slated to begin in July.
Cadets are introduced to the military structure and focus on eight core components: academic excellence, physical fitness, leadership/followership, responsible citizenship, job skills, service to the community, health and hygiene, and life coping skills. Graduates often receive high school credits, credentials or a GED. There is no tuition cost to attend. Meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no charge.
Since the program’s inception in 1993, more than 215,000 young people have completed the ChalleNGe program nationwide.
PennDOT’s REAL ID program recertified by U.S. Department of Homeland Security
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced this week that it has been recertified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration as being in continued full compliance with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005.
The recertification means the commonwealth is in compliance with federal guidelines so it can continue to offer residents a federally acceptable driver’s license or photo ID, REAL ID, that can be used to fly domestically, enter certain federal facilities that require a federally acceptable ID to enter military bases. Recertification occurs every three years, as determined by TSA and per federal REAL ID regulations.
“PennDOT is committed to ensuring Pennsylvanians can access REAL ID driver’s licenses and photo IDs that comply with the federal law,” said PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services Deputy Secretary Kara Templeton. “Maintaining REAL ID certification is a complex and ongoing process. The recertification reflects the hard work and dedication of PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services team, who are upholding the highest standards for security and service.”
As a reminder, Pennsylvanians need a REAL ID driver’s license, photo ID card or another federally-accepted form of identification (like a valid passport) to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities or military bases.
Federal REAL ID regulations require that PennDOT must verify the below documents to issue a REAL ID:
—Proof of Identity: examples include an original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised/embossed seal, or a valid, unexpired U.S. Passport.
—Proof of Social Security Number (proof must display currently legal name and full nine digits of the Social Security Number): examples include a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a SSA-1099 form, a non-SSA-1099 form, or a pay stub.
—Two Proofs of Current, Physical PA Address: examples include a current, unexpired PA driver’s license or identification card, vehicle registration, or a utility bill with the same name and address.
—Proof of all Legal Name Changes (if current legal name is different than what is reflected on proof of identity document): examples include certified marriage certificate(s) issued by the County Court for each marriage, court order(s) approving a change in legal name, or adoption decree issued by your county’s family court.
Note: If current name is the same as what is reflected on the proof of identity document (usually birth certificate or passport), proof of legal name change does not need to be shown.
State opens health center in Sullivan County
Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen visited Sullivan County this week to celebrate the opening of the Sullivan County Laurel Health Centers and to discuss critical health care workforce investments included in Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025 — 26 budget.
The budget prioritizes rural health across the Commonwealth, and community-based health care providers like the Laurel Health Centers play an essential role in expanding access to care, particularly in rural and under-served areas.
“When Laporte was on the brink of losing its health care center, the community rallied, and with the help of local and state government, was able to keep primary care services and expand their offerings to include dental and behavioral health services,” said Arkoosh. “The new Sullivan County Laurel Health Centers is an incredible story of what can happen when rural community members at every level work together to preserve access to health care. Having access to health care close to home is something that every Pennsylvanian deserves.”
In addition, Pennsylvania is facing shortages of health care professionals, particularly in rural communities, where there is only one primary care physician for every 522 residents. Conversely, in urban areas, there is one primary care physician for every 222 residents.
“Providing quality medical care for people close to their homes is essential,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “Currently, rural Pennsylvanians travel farther for their care than those who live in urban parts of the state.”
The Laurel Health Centers offer award-winning family medicine, behavioral health services, and specialty care for the whole family throughout Tioga, Bradford, and Sullivan counties in north-central PA, including sites in Blossburg, Elkland, Laporte, Lawrenceville, Mansfield, Towanda, Troy, Wellsboro and Westfield.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.