April 27, 2009

OWVA Asks for a “Do Pass” Recommendation

Salem, Oregon — oday, the Senate Committee on Education and General Government will hold a public hearing and work session on Senate Bill 920, which allows the Oregon National Guard Youth Challenge Program (OYCP) to receive State School Fund distribution. The OYCP is a mentor active, cost free, drug free, coed, residential/post-residential program conducted at the Central Oregon Training and Education Facility (COTEF) in Bend, Oregon. It is an “at-risk” youth program that targets unemployed and underemployed male and female teens ages 16 to 18 that have dropped out or are struggling with school. The program’s mission is to provide work skills and alternative learning opportunities to meet the unique individual needs of students in order to increase positive behavioral and academic skills.

“We realize that the legislature must deal with a faltering economy during one of the worst recessions this state has seen,” said Greg Warnock, the Executive Director of the Oregon War Veterans Association (OWVA). “However, cutting the nation’s most successful program for “at risk” teens will not solve the problem. It will make it worse. In fact, that for every $1.00 dollar spent on the Oregon Youth Challenge Program, the State will receive $3.00 in matching Federal monies as of next year. This is money our state must maintain. ”

The OYCP is the number one “at-risk” educational program in the nation and has successfully graduated over 3,000 students since 1994. Over 80% of its graduates are successful post graduation and only 1% of its students have been detained in jail-a dramatically lower number than the “at-risk” teens who do not attend the program.

Day after day, we hear legislators talk about the solution to Oregon’s economic recession being education. In a year when education is a priority, diminishing the best academic program for “at-risk” teens is counterproductive. Our teens and our state need this program.

“OWVA is heavily involved in the Oregon Youth Challenge Program in mentorship and fundraising “said Greg Warnock, the President of OWVA. “In fact, one of my own sons is a successful graduate of OYCP. OYCP is a very high priority for OWVA. We will do whatever it takes to keep this program running.”

If SB 920 is passed out of committee with a “do pass” recommendation, it will head to Finance and Revenue for further consideration.