Lyric Street recording artist and former US Marine Josh Gracin, who became a spokesperson for the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program (NGYCP) earlier this year, recently had the opportunity to visit his first CalleNGe program. Visiting the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy (MCA) in West Virginia, Josh toured the facilities and spent the day meeting with mentors and cadets. After stopping by several classrooms to talk with cadets, he led a group as they marched to a Mentor Training, ate lunch at the MCA Dining Hall with all of the cadets and then signed autographs.

Gracin, who credits his military service for giving him the discipline to pursue his goals in life, explained to the cadets the importance of setting life goals and working hard to achieve them. Encouraging the cadets to continue to strive for success in all facets of their lives, Gracin invited the MCA Corps of Cadets Color Guard to present the colors at the beginning of his performance at the State Fair of West Virginia the next evening.

"I'm honored and proud to represent the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program," said Gracin. "Our children, especially at-risk youth, are of vital importance to our country, since how they choose to lead their lives will ultimately shape the future of our nation."



About the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program:

The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program is a 17-month, co-ed program for high school dropouts between the ages of 16 and 18. Program participants are offered the opportunity to enhance their life skills, earn their GED and go on to higher education, improve their employment potential and broaden their chance at success. For more information about the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, go to www.ngycp.com.

About the National Guard Youth Foundation:

The National Guard Youth Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization formed to support the work of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program through public awareness, scholarships, higher education assistance, mentoring and job development programs for graduates. The Foundation is also working to expand the number of states and sites per state to accommodate growing demand for the program. The Honorary Board of Directors is co-chaired by Former President George H. W. Bush and Senator Mary Landrieu (D-La). For more information about the National Guard Youth Foundation, please visit their website at www.ngycfoundation.org.