The National Guard Youth Foundation is bringing a new science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education program to the cadets of its Youth ChalleNGe program at the Washington Youth Academy in Bremerton.

The program will allow adolescents in the area who have dropped out of high school to learn more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It is designed to give them a second chance at education, while providing an opportunity for them to explore their interest in this critical area.

NGYF is partnering with global engineering and design firm Michael Baker International and EverFi for the program. The new initiative provides STEM training resources to approximately 1,800 of Youth ChalleNGe Program participants across the country. The pilot phase begins at 14 locations including at Bremerton and is underwritten by a donation from Michael Baker International.

“We are deeply committed to helping these young men and women find a pathway to success beyond graduation day and making sure they are ready to meet the growing demands of the workforce,” said Louis A. Cabrera, president of NGYF. “This initiative will expose ChalleNGe participants – many, for the first time – to career opportunities in the STEM field and will open doors for their futures.”

According to the U.S. News/Raytheon STEM index, the STEM job market in the United States has grown by more than 30 percent, from 12.8 million STEM jobs in 2000 to 16.8 million in 2013. ChalleNGe, which graduates 9,300 young men and women every year at 35 sites across the country, is a proven program for youth who are not succeeding in the traditional classroom setting.

The web-based program uses online gaming and simulations to teach critical technology and coding skills, ignite interest in STEM, and expose students to STEM opportunities. The course features 16 modules that incorporate the real-world application of math and basic computer science skills.