Indiana's Top Education Official Enlists Military to Combat Dropout Epidemic

UNITED STATES

11.20.2009

Courtesy Story

National Guard Patriot Academy

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By 1st Lt. Kyle Key

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett recently visited with former high school dropouts and officials at the National Guard Patriot Academy to learn more about the program and locate dropouts looking for a second chance.

In the latest move to reduce the growing rate of high school dropouts and keep Indiana students in school, the state's chief public education official has placed a new weapon in his arsenal.

Bennett arrived by helicopter with Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, Adjutant General of the Indiana Army National Guard and was given a tour of the students' dorms, classrooms, library and a briefing by the school's commandant about how the National Guard is helping states to reduce their dropout rates.

According to Alliance for Excellent Education, 1.2 million high school students nationwide will fail to graduate each year. In the state of Indiana, one out of every 10 high school students will drop out. At the Patriot Academy, there are 18 students from Indiana who are scheduled to graduate with their high school diploma in March 2010. Bennett told Umbarger that with access to over 450 high schools in the state, he will help distribute information about the Patriot Academy in order to help find dropouts who meet the admission guidelines and enlistment criteria.

"It has been a goal of mine to create multiple pathways for learning that enable all students to attain post-secondary success," Bennett said. At a recent High School Dropout Summit spearheaded by Bennett in Indianapolis, he told the audience of educators about a new $20,000 incentive for improving graduation rates. The Graduation Rate Performance Program rewards teachers and principals whose leadership results in an increased graduation rate.

Patriot Academy Commandant Col. Perry W. Sarver, Jr. escorted and briefed Bennett and Umbarger about the Patriot Academy's innovative program on campus.

"The National Guard has partnered with state educational programs around the country through our Partners In Education Program to encourage students to stay in school where they are best served," said Sarver. "But when they drop out and can't go back, that's where the Patriot Academy can help make a difference."

After the briefing, five Patriot Academy students marched in and were introduced to Bennett and Umbarger. Bennett chatted with the students and listened to them as they discussed why they dropped out and how the program has put them on a fast track for success.

"You had to want to take a second chance," Bennett told the students. "You should be proud to be a part of the Patriot Academy."

Bennett said he recognized students learn differently and the Patriot Academy "offers an outside-the-box program that effectively brings students back into the classroom."

On their way through the school library and back to the helicopter, Bennett said he was impressed with the program and especially the students for desiring to better themselves.

"The Patriot Academy is a second chance for some Indiana students, and I am proud of the National Guard," Bennett said. "It is clear to me the students at the Patriot Academy are dedicated, active participants in the learning process. Each can be proud of what they have accomplished, and I am confident their experiences at the academy will prepare them for the challenges of our 21st-century economy."

The National Guard also operates a 17-month GED program for 16-18 year old civilian high school dropouts called Youth ChalleNGe. There are 34 Youth ChalleNGe programs in 29 states including Indiana, and the territory of Puerto Rico. Maj. Gen Umbarger said his state is more prepared than ever to meet the challenge of keeping students in school and increasing graduation rates.

"We are so proud that the Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy, and now the Patriot Academy, has been established in Indiana to address the needs of our at-risk youth," Umbarger said. "The young men and women in our communities that want a second chance to prove themselves and to establish strong life goals, have been given that opportunity. The Indiana National Guard stands behind them, ready to lend a helping hand. "

The National Guard Patriot Academy is an accredited high school by the Indiana Department of Education and provides a high school degree completion program for dropouts from around the nation who qualify to enlist in the Army National Guard.

The school is located at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center and features a main academic building with 21 classrooms, full gymnasium, library, conference rooms and three dormitories for up to 500 students. The current class of 47 students is scheduled to graduate in March 2010.

Recruiters nationwide are now accepting up to 250 male and female applicants for the 2010-2011 academic school year. Interested applicants should log onto www.nationalguard.com to locate their local recruiting office or www.NGPatritotAcademy.com for more information.