Jennifer Shields

See also: Featured Student Featured Business Partner Past Featured Educators Winter 2009 Summer 2009 Spring 2009 Winter 2008 Fall 2008

“The Challenge Program, Inc. has helped us to promote a positive culture and environment in our school which focuses on academics, attendance, character and positive choices,” said Jennifer Shields, Guidance Counselor at West Mifflin High School.

The Challenge Program rewards four students from each of the sophomore, junior and senior classes a $250 check, totaling twelve awards per school in the following categories: Academic Excellence, Academic Improvement, Community Service, and Attendance.

At the end of the school year The Challenge Program, Inc. and the High School’s Business Sponsor, Bull Dog Office Products, will host an assembly to award the students for their achievement in one or more of the award categories.

TCP places no restrictions on eligibility; the awards are open to all students. The premise here is that if students work hard enough, they can achieve their goals.

“I like the fact that it gives the students positive feedback and rewards them for doing the right thing. So often (the) students who are making poor choices get all of the attention. This program provides us with a means of publicly recognizing the good things. It also gives a chance for students who don’t normally get recognized the opportunity to be rewarded for something other than just high academics,” said Shields.

TCP’s mission is to motivate students. It acts as an important tool in aiding students’ successes in and outside of the classroom. The categories The Challenge Program, Inc. focuses on are valuable skills not only in school, but in students’ everyday lives.

“I have seen the greatest improvement in the amount of community service our students are doing. We do not require our students to participate in service; however, since we have started participating in The Challenge Program, Inc., students are often asking what they can do as community service and when service opportunities are offered, we have much more participation than ever before,” said Shields.

Shields also noted that the students are excited about TCP and are looking forward to the spring award presentations, and offers some words of advice. “Get involved. Find a group or organization where you can make a contribution to your school and community. It gives you a support system for your personal success.”

The Challenge Program, Inc. is a unique nonprofit that partners with business to motivate students in and out of the classroom. This partnership creates good habits in students and provides businesses with tangible results for their contribution. Progeny Systems Corporation sponsors the student awards at California Area High School. For more information contact The Challenge Program, Inc. at 814-533-7401 or www.tcpinc.org.