Second chance pays off

Of all the graduation ceremonies that take place in high schools and colleges each year, none is more important than the one last week at Fort Gordon's Georgia National Guard Youth Challenge Academy. The 22-week program is designed to give troubled students a second chance.

What is more important than that? Everyone deserves a second chance, especially young people who have fouled up. But not everyone who gets a second chance makes the most of it.

This is what's so impressive about the challenge academy, run by the state National Guard. It is very successful at getting many at-risk youths to make the most of their second chances. Last week marked the 10th class of about 120 cadets that it graduated.

The grads came from metropolitan areas all across Georgia, not just the Augusta area. Most had to undergo a total attitude adjustment before moving ahead. The academy's structure, rigor and discipline made that possible. The students - who came largely from poor inner-city neighborhoods, abusive or neglectful homes or under-performing schools - welcomed the order that the National Guard brought to their lives.

"You can get things done in a structured environment," said one graduate. Guard officers let the students work at their own pace, "but they keep after you, too," he said.

The program focuses on academic accomplishment, physical fitness and life and work skills. Not everyone graduates, but most do. Many of the cadets who get their GED plan to pursue college. Some decide to join the Peace Corps; others enlist in the armed services.

The point is, the academy takes these teens - girls and boys - who face a dismal future, and shows them how to learn, study and, ultimately, open up opportunities for themselves that they never thought would be available.

The only downside to this story is that the academy receives about 600 applications, but can accept only about 200 students.

With something this successful, let's hope a way can be found to expand the program.