“Throughout the year at those moments when I didn't think I could possibly keep up my rigorous studies I would remember the rewards I might miss out on and push on.”
Alisha B., Highest GPA Award - Greater Johnstown High School

“In today's world, making education ever more relevent to students is a major focus on schools today as we look for new ways to prepare students to be the knowledge workers in today's global economy. The Challene Program helps students see this relevance. ”
Dr. William H. Kerr, Superintendent - Armstrong School District

“I put the idea of cashing a check for $250 in my head and pushed myself harder to win it. Without a goal to make every effort to achieve, I could have slacked off and not worked to my utmost potential. I cannot begin to tell you how grateful and thankful I am for you and your program.”
Christopher I., Highest GPA Award - Ford City High School

“People always tell me to be dedicated to something such as school, job, or a team will pay off. Well, I realize they are right now. I will be motivated to always try to be there.”
Jennifer H., Attendance Award - Freeport High School

“Two protective factors that we are working to strengthen are as follows: 1) community recognition for pro-social behavior; and 2) school recognition for pro-social behavior. The Challenge Program accomplishes both goals to the benefit of students in our district.”
Dr. Susan J. Anderson, Superintendent - Westmont Hilltop School District

“The Challenge Program, Inc. is an organization that does exactly what it says it will: it links schools with the business community so students can see that the decisions they make today have an impact on their futute educational and professional careers. The Challenge Program is helping shape the kind of future employees we want in out stores: employees who come to work on time, who work hard, and who want to be valued members of the community.”
Joyce E. Graham, Community Involvement Coordinator - WalMart Store #1935

“This partnership has allowed for open dialoge [with businesses] and increased opportunities to occur that would not have happened otherwise.”
Richard J Bernazzoli, Superintendent - Portage Area School District

“The Challenge Program, Inc. provides the business community with the opportunity to tell students about job opportunities that are available, and the training skills needed to be hired for those positions. Through this exchange, students may be inspired to pursue a career in one of the industries within our region.”
Edward J. Sheehan Jr., Senior VP & CFO - Concurrent Technologies Corporation

“Since being established in 1987, [The Altoona Area School District] Foundation's mission has been to promote and encourage excellence and innovation among our students and teachers. That's why we're very enthused about the way The Challenge Program, Inc. motivates students to improve their academic standing and their daily attendance and to participate in community service activities.”
Thomas M. Bradley, Executive Director - The Altoona Area School District Foundation

“I am proud to say The Challenge Program has played a significant role in our efforts in developing young adults who are prepared for college and/or the workforce.”
Michael J. Vuckovich, Principal - Greater Johnstown High School

“This unexpected and appreciated certificate has only motivated me more to succeed in school, life, and any other activity I wish to excel in. Your efforts have as well dedicated and influenced my peers to work harder!”
Kellie G., Most Improved GPA - Washington High School

“This award helps remind me of the benefits of rigorously pursuing edication while maintaining high standards of duty, responsibility, and citizenship, and it inspires me to recognize my own potential and walk the path that will hopefully lead me to eventual success, both in my personal pursuits and in helping improve the lives of those around me.”
Zachary J., Highest GPA Award - Washington High School

“The Challenge Program, Inc. engages local businesses to partner with schools to teach students about the employment opportunities available to them in their own communitites. Business leaders that attend the assemblies provide mentorship and guidance to students as they develop strong work ethics that they will carry with them as they enter the workforce. By introducing students to the career opportunities in their area, and by providing motivation to succeed, The Challenge Program, Inc. is taking the steps needed to develop a stronger workforce for the communities where our students will live and work.”
Dr. G. Brian Toth, Superintendent - Bellwood-Antis School District

“It has been inspiring to see so many young people truly motivated to succeed and to think about how the decisions they make today will impact their future. Attracting home grown employees is impirtant to CHS, and the Challenge Program, Inc. is assisting us greatly in meeting the current and future work force demends through partnerships with the schools.”
Scott A. Becker, CEO - Conemaugh Health System

“I have found that going to school every day helps me. It prepares me for the working world where businesses count on their employees each day.”
Keli E., Attendance Award - Freeport High School

“This scholarship means everything to me. It leaves me to focus on the important things in life and becoming a productive member of society and giving back to my community. This also means that I can go to college without making it a financial burden to my family since I will be the first of my father's family to complete college and not vocational school or go into the job market.”
Ronald L., Attendance Award - California Area High School

“All of the characteristics impact Penn Cambria High School in a postitve manner. More students are in school on a regular basis, more students are striving to improve academically, and more students are involved in our local community. We strongly believe the program is enhancing all of the skills our graduates will need to be successful in life.”
William W. Marshall, Principal - Penn Cambria High School

“The Challenge Program in cooperation with [our business ambassador] is a win-win endeavor that provides a chance of rewards to all students regardless of the economic status or academic abilities.”
Donald G. Bailey, Superintendent - Forest Hills School District

“Our sponsorship of the Somerset County Technology Center is an excellent match for the kind of technically educated applicants we hope to attract. The Challenge Program, Inc. provides us with a cost effective means to reach these graduates.”
Shawn Kaufman, Director of Human Resources - Riggs Family Foundation

“Miners Medical Center has received a personal opportunity to form connections with high school students and to educate them about our hospital and its numerous careers. The Challenge Program, Inc. provides us with the opportunity to promote the principals that we value in our employees - hard work, dedication, and pursuit of excellence.”
William R. Crowe, President - Miners Medical Center

“As a technical school, building a bridge between our students and the business community is a natural alignment that has mutual benefits. The Challenge Program opens doors to our students that could lead to lifelong career opportunities.”
Jim F. Thimmons, Principal - Indiana County Technology Center

“This is an opportunity for our company to do some advance recruiting and to provide real-world advice about the education the students will need to get a good job.”
Debra Livolsi, Northeast Division Human Resources Manager - FTS International

“The ability for our students to hear the story of a local business owner instills the belief that with hard work and determination anything is possible.”
Linda McCall, Principal - Hollidaysburg Area High School

“Out there, there are those, such as you, who understand the hard work that some of these teenagers take on with academics, sports, music, and other activities. Organizations, like yours, are instrumental in encouraging students, like me, to strive for lofty goals with a clear reward in mind.”
Alexander S., Attendance Award - Greater Johnstown High School