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Wyoming Cowboy ChalleNGe Academy (WCCA)

Partnering with WASSPto meet

Wyoming Youth Needs

Wyoming Cowboy ChalleNGe Academy (WCCA)

Partnering with WASSPto meet

Wyoming Youth Needs

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FOUO / UNCLASSIFIED

7% Solution

7% of Students take up most of a Principal’s Time

with students

7% of Students take up most of a Principal’s Time

with students

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FOUO / UNCLASSIFIED

7% Solution

Enjoyable students are involved in

Honors

Leadership

Activities

These youth make life worth living

Enjoyable students are involved in

Honors

Leadership

Activities

These youth make life worth living

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FOUO / UNCLASSIFIED

7% SolutionNOT enjoyable students, at risk students,

students with problems Disruption Disrespect Causing trouble Disciplinary problems At risk of dropping out Dropped out – but the nightmare continues Lack of Self-Respect Lack of Confidence Lack of Teamwork

I know your pain Wyoming Cowboy ChalleNGe Academy

(WCCA) can be a solution to dealing with that part of the 7% that are not enjoyable

NOT enjoyable students, at risk students, students with problems Disruption Disrespect Causing trouble Disciplinary problems At risk of dropping out Dropped out – but the nightmare continues Lack of Self-Respect Lack of Confidence Lack of Teamwork

I know your pain Wyoming Cowboy ChalleNGe Academy

(WCCA) can be a solution to dealing with that part of the 7% that are not enjoyable

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7% Solution

Reduce problem caseload during

5 ½ to 17 ½ monthsWCCA can be an ally to help with those

students who are not enjoyable, taking up the principal’s time and staff time

Reduce from the high school caseload students who dropped out, or are at risk of dropping out, perceiving themselves as “not fitting in” high school, bored, and are causing problems

WCCA: “A staff dream come true” option

Reduce problem caseload during

5 ½ to 17 ½ monthsWCCA can be an ally to help with those

students who are not enjoyable, taking up the principal’s time and staff time

Reduce from the high school caseload students who dropped out, or are at risk of dropping out, perceiving themselves as “not fitting in” high school, bored, and are causing problems

WCCA: “A staff dream come true” option

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FOUO / UNCLASSIFIEDBenefits to the Educational System

No Cost to District for students to be at WCCA

Possibly Keep Student Count Budget Funding

- WCCA can participate in some concurrent registration offerings as an In- District Registration with the WCCA as a satellite campus for your high school student

- WCCA starts Quarterly which leaves more opportunities for budgetary attendance dates of local schools

No Cost to District for students to be at WCCA

Possibly Keep Student Count Budget Funding

- WCCA can participate in some concurrent registration offerings as an In- District Registration with the WCCA as a satellite campus for your high school student

- WCCA starts Quarterly which leaves more opportunities for budgetary attendance dates of local schools

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FOUO / UNCLASSIFIED

Benefits to the Educational System continued

Graduation Counts

WCCA offers Credit Recovery towards finishing high school and graduating by using

- APEX

- Wyoming Virtual Academy K-12

WCCA may cooperate with high school on-line programs that are compatible with WCCA resources

Graduation Counts

WCCA offers Credit Recovery towards finishing high school and graduating by using

- APEX

- Wyoming Virtual Academy K-12

WCCA may cooperate with high school on-line programs that are compatible with WCCA resources

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FOUO / UNCLASSIFIED

Benefits to the Educational System continued

Graduation Counts continued

Wyoming State Department of Education does allow a WCCA graduate with a high school equivalency certificate (HSEC) through WCCA to return to any Wyoming public high school, with a principal permission letter to the WY Dept. of Ed. for the student to be on campus

- When the student meets the High School Diploma graduation requirements, the principal notifies the WY Dept. of Ed., then the HSEC is relinquished and replaced with the high school Diploma

Win - Win for the student and for the District

Graduation Counts continued

Wyoming State Department of Education does allow a WCCA graduate with a high school equivalency certificate (HSEC) through WCCA to return to any Wyoming public high school, with a principal permission letter to the WY Dept. of Ed. for the student to be on campus

- When the student meets the High School Diploma graduation requirements, the principal notifies the WY Dept. of Ed., then the HSEC is relinquished and replaced with the high school Diploma

Win - Win for the student and for the District

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Benefits to the Educational System continued

Rescuing Dropouts After a Student Drops Out of high school,

WCCA staff can talk to or visit Students and Parents about WCCA as an option for the Student to turn things around

Rescuing those at-risk of dropping out Bottom 3 to 5% in class standing 1 semester or more behind in credits and/or

unwilling or uncommitted to summer school Over 1 year behind in credits

- Once a student’s cohort class graduates, the likelihood of graduating with the following class diminishes

Rescuing Dropouts After a Student Drops Out of high school,

WCCA staff can talk to or visit Students and Parents about WCCA as an option for the Student to turn things around

Rescuing those at-risk of dropping out Bottom 3 to 5% in class standing 1 semester or more behind in credits and/or

unwilling or uncommitted to summer school Over 1 year behind in credits

- Once a student’s cohort class graduates, the likelihood of graduating with the following class diminishes

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Benefits to the Educational System continued

Youth may return to high school with

New Behaviors AWAY from Negative Influence Peers and/or Family

lived in Military Facility Security

5 ½ Months of Sobriety- Alcohol-free environment- Controlled Substance-free environment- Surprise Drug Testing

24/7 Awake Supervision

Detailed, Structured Day

Youth may return to high school with

New Behaviors AWAY from Negative Influence Peers and/or Family

lived in Military Facility Security

5 ½ Months of Sobriety- Alcohol-free environment- Controlled Substance-free environment- Surprise Drug Testing

24/7 Awake Supervision

Detailed, Structured Day

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Benefits to the Educational System continued

Improved Returning High School Student Consequences oriented Team oriented

- Trained & Experienced in Followership / Leadership

- Less trust issues- Better sense of belonging- “Ride for the Brand” ethic

Physically more Fit and Strong Learned how to Give Respect Earned Respect Record of Success in Academics Course Credit Recovery

Improved Returning High School Student Consequences oriented Team oriented

- Trained & Experienced in Followership / Leadership

- Less trust issues- Better sense of belonging- “Ride for the Brand” ethic

Physically more Fit and Strong Learned how to Give Respect Earned Respect Record of Success in Academics Course Credit Recovery

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What is the WCCA?

The Wyoming Cowboy ChalleNGe Academy is a State of Wyoming safe, disciplined, and professional learning environment that empowers high school drop outs and at-risk youth, ages 16 through 18, as of first day of school, for 22 weeks on the Camp Guernsey National Guard base, followed by 12 months of mentoring

The Wyoming Cowboy ChalleNGe Academy is a State of Wyoming safe, disciplined, and professional learning environment that empowers high school drop outs and at-risk youth, ages 16 through 18, as of first day of school, for 22 weeks on the Camp Guernsey National Guard base, followed by 12 months of mentoring

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What is the WCCA? continued

Objective:

Produce graduates with: • Self-discipline,• Values,• Life skills,• Education, and• Employment potential to be responsible and productive Wyoming citizens

Objective:

Produce graduates with: • Self-discipline,• Values,• Life skills,• Education, and• Employment potential to be responsible and productive Wyoming citizens

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What is the WCCA? continued

Why the ChalleNGe spelling?

It is in reference to the National Guard as a logo requirement from the National Guard Bureau.

Why the ChalleNGe spelling?

It is in reference to the National Guard as a logo requirement from the National Guard Bureau.

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What the Program is not…

Military Boot Camp/Basic Training WCCA regulations even discourage pushing

students into the military

Traditional or Alternative High SchoolDrug or Alcohol Abuse/Dependence

Treatment FacilityMental Health ClinicCowboy / Ranch Hand Training Program

Military Boot Camp/Basic Training WCCA regulations even discourage pushing

students into the military

Traditional or Alternative High SchoolDrug or Alcohol Abuse/Dependence

Treatment FacilityMental Health ClinicCowboy / Ranch Hand Training Program

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But, it is Not All Work

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Benefits to the Youth

Start a Proactive, Responsible Adult Future Stop the drifting, blaming, idleness, lack of plans Stop causing trouble at their high school Move on from the Negative Influence Peers / Family ChalleNGe program national average Results*

- 47% join workforce in Career Jobs - 34% continue with Higher Education- 14% join Military Service- 5% do end up as: other, deceased, or incarcerated

Placement Assistance Mentoring may help in job / education networking

Learned to Respect Earned Respect Become a Hero to Peers / Family* MDRC and RAND Corp national studies

Start a Proactive, Responsible Adult Future Stop the drifting, blaming, idleness, lack of plans Stop causing trouble at their high school Move on from the Negative Influence Peers / Family ChalleNGe program national average Results*

- 47% join workforce in Career Jobs - 34% continue with Higher Education- 14% join Military Service- 5% do end up as: other, deceased, or incarcerated

Placement Assistance Mentoring may help in job / education networking

Learned to Respect Earned Respect Become a Hero to Peers / Family* MDRC and RAND Corp national studies

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Benefits to the Youth continued

20% Higher Income according to RAND Corp 2012 analysis

Education Back on Track Course Credit Recovery Complete graduation requirements and earn

diploma from home high school Earn HSEC Attend a College Course on the Eastern Wyoming College campus

Scholarships

Avoid Justice System Consequences

20% Higher Income according to RAND Corp 2012 analysis

Education Back on Track Course Credit Recovery Complete graduation requirements and earn

diploma from home high school Earn HSEC Attend a College Course on the Eastern Wyoming College campus

Scholarships

Avoid Justice System Consequences

FOUO / UNCLASSIFIED

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Benefits to the Youth continued

Military

WCCA graduates may receive an automatic promotion, pay grade, and rank in any military service branch

future military service training feels easier

WCCA counts as the first year of college ROTC

test drive of a military life style for those youth interested in a military career, without an obligation of 4 to 6 years

Military

WCCA graduates may receive an automatic promotion, pay grade, and rank in any military service branch

future military service training feels easier

WCCA counts as the first year of college ROTC

test drive of a military life style for those youth interested in a military career, without an obligation of 4 to 6 years

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FOUO / UNCLASSIFIED

Benefits to the Family

Change the Life of the Youth Nearly FREE of cost to Family

NO Tuition, Food, or Housing Cost Only Family Costs are:

Transportation to / from Camp Guernsey Short list of initial clothing and toiletries

- WCCA helps with supplies, if family is destitute Drama is removed from the home

Away from Negative Peer Influence Breather time for family

A Safe Place for the Youth to be at

Change the Life of the Youth Nearly FREE of cost to Family

NO Tuition, Food, or Housing Cost Only Family Costs are:

Transportation to / from Camp Guernsey Short list of initial clothing and toiletries

- WCCA helps with supplies, if family is destitute Drama is removed from the home

Away from Negative Peer Influence Breather time for family

A Safe Place for the Youth to be at

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Program DesignPreventive, Quasi-military atmosphere

Uniforms, Haircuts, Fitness, Rules, Discipline, and Consequences

Target youth: age 16 through 18 high school drop outs or at-risk, non-addicted, non-felon

Minimal distractions5 ½ months Residential Phase 12 months Post-Residential Mentoring

Phase

Total Duration: 17 ½ months

Preventive, Quasi-military atmosphere Uniforms, Haircuts, Fitness, Rules, Discipline, and Consequences

Target youth: age 16 through 18 high school drop outs or at-risk, non-addicted, non-felon

Minimal distractions5 ½ months Residential Phase 12 months Post-Residential Mentoring

Phase

Total Duration: 17 ½ months

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Academics

400 hours of instructional seat time 270 hours in (67.5 hours each)

- Math- English- Science- Social Studies

120 hours in (30 hours each)- Physical Education- Health and Hygiene- Life Coping Skills- Job Skills

6 hours US Government 4 hours motivational Guest Speakers

400 hours of instructional seat time 270 hours in (67.5 hours each)

- Math- English- Science- Social Studies

120 hours in (30 hours each)- Physical Education- Health and Hygiene- Life Coping Skills- Job Skills

6 hours US Government 4 hours motivational Guest Speakers

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Academics continued

Eastern Wyoming College As of the December 2014 graduating class,

WCCA students attend a college level course at Eastern Wyoming College, on their campus- Registration and tuition is paid by WCCA- Students are offered a choice of college courses- 100% of the December 2014 WCCA graduating

students earned college credit Students who formerly were high school drop

outs, or at risk of dropping out, Overcame Their Fears that they would never be able to attend or be successful at college

Some students were the first of their families to attend college

Eastern Wyoming College As of the December 2014 graduating class,

WCCA students attend a college level course at Eastern Wyoming College, on their campus- Registration and tuition is paid by WCCA- Students are offered a choice of college courses- 100% of the December 2014 WCCA graduating

students earned college credit Students who formerly were high school drop

outs, or at risk of dropping out, Overcame Their Fears that they would never be able to attend or be successful at college

Some students were the first of their families to attend college

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Class Start/Grad Dates

Class # Start Grad

25 12 Apr 2015 12 Sep 2015

26 12 Jul 2015 12 Dec 2105

27 11 Oct 2015 12 Mar 2016

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Mentorship is Key to Long-Term Success

Graduates work with a Volunteer Mentor for 12 months to achieve their personal post-residential goals

Candidly, the weakest link in the program is when the mentor is not a stronger influence on the graduate than the graduate’s peers of negative

influence; so if you want to help, recommend WCCA to youth, parents, and strong mentors; or become a mentor

Graduates work with a Volunteer Mentor for 12 months to achieve their personal post-residential goals

Candidly, the weakest link in the program is when the mentor is not a stronger influence on the graduate than the graduate’s peers of negative

influence; so if you want to help, recommend WCCA to youth, parents, and strong mentors; or become a mentor

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How to Help Recommend WCCA as an Option

- Counselors consider WCCA for some students- Mention WCCA to Youth- Mention WCCA to Parents- Mention WCCA to possible strong Mentors- suggest www.wycowboychallenge.org

- have them call WCCA at 307-677-6136 When appropriate, Give WCCA staff contact

information Youth Name / Parent Name

- phone number- address- e-mail

Become a Mentor

Recommend WCCA as an Option- Counselors consider WCCA for some students- Mention WCCA to Youth- Mention WCCA to Parents- Mention WCCA to possible strong Mentors- suggest www.wycowboychallenge.org

- have them call WCCA at 307-677-6136 When appropriate, Give WCCA staff contact

information Youth Name / Parent Name

- phone number- address- e-mail

Become a Mentor