CA AB1518

Authorizes the Adjutant General to establish a National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program consisting of at least a 22-week residential program and 12-month post-residential mentoring period for at-risk teens.

Program shall focus on improving life skills and employment potential through military-based leadership development, community service, job skills training, physical fitness, health training, and assistance obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent.

Requires the Military Department to enter into a memorandum of agreement with a school district or county office of education to provide educational services and ensure compliance with Education Code requirements.

Authorizes the Adjutant General to accept federal funding and appoint a director and staff to operate the program in areas including the San Joaquin Valley and Northern California.

Establishes that funding for the program must be appropriated in the annual Budget Act or other legislation before the program may be established.