Recently 120 Cadets from The Sunburst Youth Academy graduated from The Drug Demand Reduction Outreach Program. The Academy assists Teens who are struggling in their lives or in school. The program offers these at risk teens an opportunity to develop their lives in leadership roles rather than being influenced by negative elements in their communities. The Academy provides core skills such as discipline, self-confidence, determination, and decision making to instill leadership qualities in every cadet.
The California National Guard & State Guard (State Defense Force) have been hosting this program for years. They work hand in hand with the cadets to ensure each passes the challenges and tests faced during the Academy.
Nearly all State Defense Forces assist The National Guard in their community outreach programs, such as the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program. They work side by side with National Guard Soldiers in operating these crucial programs.
If you are interested in participating in these programs, Join The State Defense Force.
Last week, our Los Angeles-based Drug Demand Reduction Outreach team supported the graduation of over 120 cadets at Sunburst Youth Academy. The DDRO team hosted an 11-week curriculum focusing on the importance of resiliency and finding purpose. Many youths who attend Sunburst have been directly impacted by gang violence, community disparities, and substance misuse and are looking for hope by shifting their mentality in the right direction toward a positive future.“My main message to the students is that their past is no longer an excuse but has now evolved into their ‘HOW,’ which has led them to find purpose in their ‘WHY.’ This is their resiliency story,” stated the Los Angeles DDRO team lead.
Sources: California National Guard – Counterdrug Task Force – Sunburst Youth Academy
