Bend, Ore. — The Oregon Youth ChalleNGe program has received an “outstanding” rating under new federal guidelines, marking a significant achievement for the state’s initiative aimed at helping struggling students regain their educational footing.

Administered by the Oregon National Guard, the Youth ChalleNGe program is an accredited high school that provides students who have faced educational challenges with a chance to earn their high school diploma or a GED. The program, which operates in multiple states across the U.S., has garnered attention for its impactful approach to education, offering a structured environment for students to excel.

Of the 37 Youth ChalleNGe programs nationwide, the Oregon branch stands out as the first to earn an “outstanding” rating under the newly implemented federal criteria. This rating is the result of a comprehensive evaluation process, where inspectors assess key areas such as operation compliance, operation performance, resource compliance, and resource performance.

Frank Tallman, director of the Oregon Youth ChalleNGe program, expressed immense pride in the achievement. “It feels great. A big relief. A lot of work. The staff put a lot of time and effort into having everything set, and so to finally be done and have that rating, it was great for the staff,” he said.

In addition to the top-tier rating, the Oregon Youth ChalleNGe program saw a record-breaking 165 students graduate last year, underscoring the program’s growing success. Despite facing a lack of increased federal funding over the past three years, demand for the program has continued to rise, with more students seeking to benefit from its services.

As the Oregon Youth ChalleNGe program continues to expand and excel, the recognition serves as both an acknowledgment of its past successes and a promising indicator for its future. The continued growth of the program signals a strong demand for alternative educational solutions that offer students a chance at success, no matter their past challenges.