Initial funding

This federal Cooperative Agreement award, issued by the Department of Defense and the North Carolina National Guard, provides $4,180,960.00 in funding to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) under the National Guard ChalleNGe Program (CFDA 12.404). The purpose of this award is to deliver military-based training, supervised work experience, and youth development services for at-risk youth in North Carolina. Key program activities include residential education, mentoring, community service, technical skills development, and assistance obtaining high school diplomas or GEDs for participants typically aged 16-18. This award supports not only the youth development program, but also broader National Guard facility operations such as environmental management, security services, fire protection, and infrastructure sustainment. The funding period for this Cooperative Agreement runs from July 26, 2024 to July 31, 2026.