PennsylvaniaActive2025-2026

DMVA Budget Increase for Keystone Challenge Academy

Request for an additional $250,000 to fund the Keystone State Challenge Academy as part of the 2026/2027 Commonwealth budget.

Talking Points

Use these when contacting your representatives.

  1. The Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy turns at-risk Pennsylvania teens into graduates, and a $250,000 increase keeps that pipeline open.

    ChalleNGe is a National Guard youth program that helps 16-to-18-year-olds who have left or are at risk of leaving school earn a diploma or GED and re-enter the workforce or military.

  2. State dollars here leverage a much larger federal investment.

    ChalleNGe is a federal-state partnership in which the majority of program costs are federally funded; the Commonwealth's share protects Pennsylvania's access to those dollars.

  3. It is one of the most cost-effective youth interventions the Commonwealth funds.

    Every cadet who earns a diploma instead of dropping out reduces long-term costs in lost earnings, public assistance, and the justice system.

Quick Facts

Category
state budget
Bills Tracked
0
Requested Funding
$250,000