THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 4, 1996 TAG: 9602020179
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
The Commonwealth Challenge program is seeking youngsters for its upcoming session. The application deadline is next Monday.
The free program is offered locally at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach. It targets 16- to 18-year-olds who dropped out of high school. Boys and girls are welcome.
Each session lasts for five months. Participants reside at Camp Pendleton, where they get the help they need to earn a high-school equivalency certificate. They also get lessons in self-discipline, leadership and physical fitness.
Those who successfully complete the program get a $2,200 stipend during the year-long, ``post-residential'' phase - when they return to their communities. The money must be used for further education or training.
Participants must be drug-free; Virginia residents; willing to volunteer; and high school drop-outs. Those who have been charged with felonies are not encouraged to apply.
The federally funded program covers the cost of lodging, meals, supplies and academic instruction.
For more information, call 491-5932 or 1-800-796-6472.
KEYWORDS: HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUT HIGH SCHOOL DROP-OUT BOOT CAMP < by CNB