“The Challenge Program has been an invaluable resource for the young people in our area. The tools and experiences it gives to the kids in our area will ultimately create a much stronger community overall.”
Bill Polacek, Founder and CEO - JWF Industries Inc.

“Thank you for your initiative and enabling me to pursue my dreams.”
Dianne B., Best Overall GPA Winner - Shanksville-Stonycreek High School

“I deeply thank you for noticing the actions that students have taken into making their community and world a better place to live. For rewarding those who work hard at what they do and giving them something to strive toward. Thank you for your time and effort you have spent in rewarding us with something more than just satisfaction.”
Jonathan P., Community Service Winner - Mt. Pleasant Area High School

“L. Robert Kimball and Associates is proud to participate in The Challenge Program for area students because the payoff will come when these successful students come to our door seeking employment opportunities in the future.”
Jeff Kimball, President - L. Robert Kimball & Associates

“We had a student literally come [to school] every day because of this incentive. That is certainly a positive thing.”
Jim Rummel, Principal - Kittanning High School

“The Challenge Program, Inc. is a win-win endeavor that provides a chance of rewards to all students, regardless of their economic status or academic abilities. Every student can be a winner!”
Donald Bailey, Superintendent & Edwin Bowser, Principal - Forest Hills School District

“In today's world, making education ever more relevant to students is a major focus in schools today as we look for new ways to prepare students to be the knowledge workers in today's global economy. The Challenge Program, Inc. helps students see this relevance.”
William Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools - Armstrong School District

“The Challenge Program not only helps to encourage school performance but also serves as an introduction to the work world that offers a similar reward system for excellent performance.”
Gerald L. Zahorchak, D.Ed. - Pennsylvania Secretary of Education

“The Challenge Program is every educator’s dream—the very thing that gives students the motivation to succeed.”
Dr. Edward Jeffreys, Executive Director - Fayette County Vocational Technical School

“In addition to continuing my strong academic and community service, two goals for my senior year in high school were to remove limitations and take advantage of opportunities. The Challenge Program award has provided me with an excellent opportunity.”
Kurt S., Community Service Winner - Sussex Central High School

“It is wonderful to see that dreams can come true and that students can benefit from the cooperation of business and educational institutions.”
Sister Donna Marie Leiden, Principal - Bishop McCort High School

“Organizations like yours are instrumental in encouraging students like myself to strive for lofty goals with a clear reward in mind.”
Alexander S., Best Attendance Winner - Greater Johnstown High School

“The unexpected and appreciated certificate has only motivated me more to succeed in school, life, and any other activity I wish to excel in.”
Kellie G., Most Improved Winner - Washington High School

“Thank you for giving me motivation, higher self-esteem, and most of all, hope.”
Ryan O., Most Improved Winner - Indian River High School

“I very much appreciate your efforts being made in the public school system to inspire youth to give back to their community. As an active Boy Scout, I earned my Eagle Scout award by submitting and completing a community service project that otherwise would have gone undone. Your program gave me the double incentive I needed to know I was doing the right thing.”
Justin Z., Community Service Winner - Dover High School

“We [Catanese Group] believe the Challenge Program provides all students with an opportunity to benefit both personally and financially from simply doing the 'right thing'. The characteristics of bravery, care, consideration, and diligence to their studies as demonstrated by the winners in each category, ring loudly that these young adults are taking themselves seriously. Building a strong and healthy character as a young adult in high school is a priceless experience that we are proud to be a part of.”
Catanese Group -

“The Challenge Program, Inc. captures the essence of the American Spirit--reaping rewards for personal sacrifice, hard work, servanthood, and community service.”
Dave Lehman, Superintendent - Conemaugh Valley School District

“The Challenge Program challenges students to make a difference, whether in their lives or in their communities! That is what it's about – making a difference.”
Bill Wilkinson, President & CEO - Wilkinson Bus Lines

“I hope one day I can make a difference in another child’s life like you have made in mine.”
Khyri D., Most Improved Winner - Central High School

“This scholarship means everything to me. It tells me that I am doing something right, [that] someone is taking notice and has faith that I will continue my community service work so that more than just me can benefit from this program. ”
Ron L., Community Service Winner - California Area High School

“I want to thank-you for your vision of establishing this program for today’s youth. So often you hear negative comments about young people, so it is very rewarding to have young people recognized for the good instead of the bad.”
Nicholas P., Community Service Winner - Shanksville-Stonycreek High School

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

“Your program holds a lot of influence over us students, challenging us to do our best work in our schools and communities.”
Neal N., Best GPA Winner - Laurel Valley High School

“This award helps remind me of the benefits of rigorously pursuing education while maintaining high standards of duty, responsibility, and citizenship. It inspires me to recognize my own potential and walk the path that will hopefully lead me to eventual success.”
Zachary J., Best GPA Winner - Washington High School

“My dream is to pursue my passion of communications and writing by majoring in journalism in college. The [$250] check helped me to attend a writing workshop at Point Park University in Pittsburgh this past summer. It helped me to ensure that I chose the right major and college, and without receiving the check, I would have been unable to attend. Thank you so much for investing in my future and I hope the money helps others the same way it helped me in accomplishing my goals and aspirations.”
Nicole C., Perfect Attendance Award Winner - Conemaugh Township High School

“This is especially meaningful since I have concentrated on academic improvement this year. Thanks for the vote of confidence and continued support of student successes.”
Lauren S., Most Improved Winner - Bishop McCort High School

“The greatest academic value we have seen is in our average students. They work hard to earn the most improved in the grade award. Our average students have become more aware of their grades and grade point averages and strive to improve their class standings.”
William Marshall, Principal - Penn Cambria High School

“I believe this program is a wonderful opportunity for the education and business communities to engage in dialogue and create a partnership that has been long overdue.”
Richard Bernazzoli, Principal - Forest Hills School District

“The Challenge Program and its prizes are great incentives for students. Accolades and praises are nice but a cash prize is a physical reward for the hard work and dedication put in by the student. ”
George B., Highest GPA Winner - Conemaugh Township High School

“If the younger generation is made aware of the new jobs being created in the region early enough, then they may feel inspired to pursue a career in one of the industries within the region.”
John P. Murtha, Congressman - USC

“I am writing to you to thank you with the utmost respect and gratitude for recognizing me as a winner within your vision of success. I had really no idea I’m be winning an award my senior year. … My junior year was a disaster, but friends and teachers made me realize that I could do way better, and it turned out they were 100% correct.”
Sean M., Most Improved Winner - Blairsville High School

“Each award brings with it a personal success story and a realization of individual value and worth of an independent young adult who can succeed and contribute responsibly in our community.”
Linda McCall, Principal - Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School