From high school drop out to college bound - National Guard Patriot Academy puts Soldiers on fast track to success

MUSCATATUCK URBAN TRAINING CENTER, UNITED STATES

08.25.2009

Story by 1st Lt. Kyle Key 

National Guard Bureau

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MUSCATATUCK URBAN TRAINING CENTER, Ind. — Only months ago, four dozen high school dropouts from around the country faced a bleak future and limited opportunities in the work force. Now, they are Soldiers on their way to earning their high school diplomas and credits toward a college degree.

The National Guard Patriot Academy was the idea of retired Lt. Gen. Clyde A. Vaughn, the former director of the Army National Guard, to provide qualified high-school age youths the opportunity to earn their high school diplomas as active-duty Soldiers.

Patriot Academy Commandant Col. Perry Wilson Sarver Jr. said the students are not considered social delinquents or at-risk students. Some students may have quit high school because of family illnesses, hardships and others because priorities were in the wrong place.

"This program is about second chances," said Sarver. "It's a do-over. You don't get many of those in life," he said. "These students are not only getting the opportunity to get a high school diploma, they are getting additional military training and opportunities to give back to the community as well. We are preparing Soldiers to be well-rounded professionally, mentally and physically."

The National Guard is helping to reduce the growing number of high school drop outs by encouraging students to stay in school and pursue career opportunities through its Partnership In Education program. Patriot Academy Command Sgt. Maj. Judy Macy said the best place for students is indeed in a traditional high school.

"We want the students to stay in their communities enrolled and active in their local high schools," said Macy. "They are best served when surrounded by their peers, teachers, family and other support networks."

Macy said while society discriminates against those without a high school diploma the program enables students to realize that they can do anything they set their minds to accomplishing.

"This is a start for the Soldiers," said Macy. "They're righting a wrong from quitting high school, they can continue on with college courses, improve on military training and learn valuable life skills. All this along with service to the community builds a sense of confidence that they've never had before."

Families of Patriot Academy Soldiers are seeing the change. Don Vance, father of Pvt. Michael Vance, said he's more than proud of his son.

"It's the best thing that's ever happened to him in his life," said Vance. "His brother committed suicide and Michael was lost. I saw a kid that was headed to prison. Now, he has turned his whole life around and he's headed for a bright future in life and the Army National Guard."

Applicants to the Patriot Academy must meet several qualifications to include a score of at least 50 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test, must be out of school for at least 6 months, have no dependents and be between the ages of 17 and 20. They must also be in good health and physical condition. No applicant will be considered requiring moral waivers such as felonies, drug use, etc.

The Academy is a nine-month resident program at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, near Butlerville, Ind., where students are issued laptops for access to online classes are tailored for each student to complete their degree requirements. Students receive dual high school and college credit for senior level courses and are encouraged to enroll in additional college-level courses upon completion of their high school degree requirements.

Construction of the Patriot Academy began in the fall of 2008 and the first students arrived in June. There are currently 47 students enrolled from 16 states and the program will expand to 250 students in fiscal year 2010 and up to 500 students by 2011.

The Patriot Academy is scheduled to be dedicated Wednesday, August 26th, at 1p.m. at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center. The public is invited to attend.