Lincoln's Challenge Students to be Trained by SALF

June 5, 2006

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In an unprecedented partnership, the Save A Life Foundation (SALF) is teaming with the Lincoln’s Challenge Academy of the National Guard to provide basic life sustaining first aid skills to students attending the academy.  The program is expected to train over 400 cadets in 2006, and more in subsequent years.  The Lincoln’s Challenge Academy will house a newly formed SALF branch at its location in Rantoul, IL and will provide a base for training.

"Lincoln's Challenge puts students on the right track to become successful adults," said Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn. "This partnership will provide cadets with the power to save a life."

“I commend the Lincoln’s Challenge program Illinois taking a leadership role as we work to give live saving skills to young people,” said Carol Spizzirri, president and founder of SALF.  “By giving at-risk youth the skills they need to save a life, not only is their confidence enhanced, but their role in society is changed forever.”

The alliance between the Illinois National Guard Lincoln’s Challenge program represents the first of what SALF organizers hope to be many between SALF and Lincoln’s Challenge, which are also know as Youth Challenge programs nationwide.  “We’re starting here in Illinois but there’s no reason this program shouldn’t spread to other Lincoln’s Challenge programs across the nation,” said Vince Davis, SALF’s National Director of Military Affairs.

The Lincoln’s Challenge Academy, formed in 1993, is one of the first of what has grown to be the Youth Challenge program, represented in 25 states.  The goal of the program is to improve life coping skills and employability of students who drop out of high school.  The program has earned respect in academic circles for being an alternative when traditional educational methods fail.