The Thunderbird Challenge Program, an initiative of the Oklahoma National Guard, is making a significant impact in the lives of at-risk Oklahoma youth by providing tools and opportunities to change their lives for the better.

The program, established in 1993, offers a 22-week residential phase followed by a 12-month post-residential phase, focusing on education, self-discipline and leadership. Its mission is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of kids falling behind in school, producing program graduates with the values, life skills and education necessary to succeed as adults.

“These kids are willing, they want to be here, they want to succeed, they want to grow, they want to learn things and come out the other side of this program as a more capable and qualified individual to go out there and be successful in their future,” said Chris Stout, director of the Thunderbird Challenge Program.