MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

PASADENA, CA — On Saturday, April 4, 2026, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) hosted the annual Congressional Women of the Year Awards Ceremony to honor local women in the San Gabriel Valley who have contributed to their neighborhoods and communities through service, organizing, or leadership. The award, now in its 16^th year, is given to women nominated by people in their own cities and communities.

“The annual Women of the Year Awards Ceremony is among the highlights of my year,” said Rep. Chu. “The honorees have stood out in our communities because of their commitment to giving back to the San Gabriel Valley. Every single honoree has been selected through an exhaustive process that begins with a nomination from their neighbors, friends, or family—the people in their communities who know them best and see their service up close. We received a flood of nominations from cities across the 28^th congressional district of California, and the winners stood out not only because of their passion and drive, but because of the admiration from their neighbors and fellow citizens. I’m so proud of these role models and am honored to be recognizing them.” 

The 2026 honorees are: 

Altadena – Joy Chen

• Joy Chen serves as Executive Director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network (EFSN), the nation’s largest survivor-led recovery hub, which connects more than 10,000 survivors and allies impacted by the Eaton, Palisades, and Malibu fires. Under her leadership, EFSN advances a coordinated, community-driven approach to recovery, working to remove systemic barriers and expand equitable access to critical resources for all survivors. A former Deputy Mayor of Los Angeles, Joy led economic and workforce development initiatives in one of the most diverse cities in the world, with a focus on increasing access to opportunity for communities historically underrepresented in capital and decision-making. Following her public service, she worked at Heidrick & Struggles, where she recruited Fortune 500 CEOs and board directors on a global scale. An influential thought leader and author, Joy’s writing on leadership and personal agency has reached millions internationally and led to two bestselling books focused on empowering women in their careers and lives. Today, she is a prominent national voice on disaster recovery, insurance accountability, and community-led rebuilding, advocating for more resilient and inclusive recovery systems. 

Altadena – Gayle Nicholls-Ali

• Gayle Nicholls-Ali is a dedicated arts educator, photographer, and advocate for Career Technical Education (CTE) and Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA). For more than two decades, she has inspired students through photography, graphic arts, and computer science at La Cañada High School and the Armory Center for the Arts, while also serving over ten years as an adjunct professor at Pacific Oaks College. Since 2014, she has advised the Girls Who Code STEAM Innovation Camp, empowering young women in technology and leadership. Gayle has played a key role in shaping California’s Arts, Entertainment, and Design standards, reflecting her commitment to equitable arts education. She has received numerous honors, including the Crystal Apple Award, Teacher of the Year, and national and state leadership awards in arts education. A Teacher Leader with the Connected Arts Network, she supports educators nationwide and serves in leadership roles across multiple arts organizations. Following the Eaton Fire, she founded Altadena Photographers and now leads community-based storytelling initiatives, fostering healing, connection, and creative expression. 

Arcadia – Diana Sanchez

• Diana Sanchez is a strategic leader and dedicated volunteer who has proudly called Arcadia home for 14 years. She believes a strong community is built through active involvement, a commitment recognized with the March 2025 Downtown Arcadia Local Hero Award. Inspired by her early enjoyment of local events, Diana now serves as Secretary of the Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association Board and Lead Volunteer for its signature events, helping bring beloved traditions like the Holiday Fair and Halloween Haunting to life. Her dedication extends to local schools, where she has been an active PTA member for over a decade. As a mother of three, she currently serves as both the Executive Vice President of Membership for the Holly Avenue PTA and the Food Drive Chair for the Arcadia Council PTA. Professionally, Diana is an accomplished leader in Customer Success and Operations and was named a 2025 Top 100 CS Strategist. She currently holds a leadership role at Quorum Software and previously spent 17 years at Solver, Inc. Diana is also passionate about mentoring others, guiding individuals seeking career growth and new opportunities. 

La Cañada Flintridge – Suzanne Goldberg

• Suzanne Goldberg was born and raised in South Vietnam and immigrated to the United States in 1969 at age 21 in pursuit of higher education and the ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy. She graduated from California State University, Los Angeles, built a career, and raised three children while working full time. After retiring in 2015, Suzanne became an active and passionate civic leader. She joined the Cañada Crescenta Democratic Club in 2016 and now serves as Vice President, while also contributing to the leadership team of San Gabriel Foothills Indivisible. She has played key roles in voter outreach, including efforts supporting California’s 2021 gubernatorial recall election and other statewide initiatives, while helping expand civic participation in her community. A dedicated advocate for immigrant rights, Suzanne has supported refugee resettlement efforts, including sponsoring Afghan families through Operation Allies Welcome. She also leads voter engagement initiatives, including national postcard campaigns. In 2024, she was honored as Democrat of the Year for her Assembly District. Suzanne remains deeply committed to community service, civic engagement, and inspiring future generations. 

Monterey Park – Cindy Kuo

• Cindy Kuo, who will celebrate her 85th birthday this year, has led a life guided by compassion, generosity, and quiet leadership. She is the founder of the MP Prajna Buddhist Mission, through which she has dedicated decades to humanitarian service inspired by principles of wisdom and loving-kindness. Cindy’s work has focused on uplifting children and families in Southeast Asia, raising funds to build schools, provide food, and expand access to education in underserved communities. She frequently traveled to rural areas to personally deliver supplies and support those in need. Her commitment to alleviating hunger extends locally as well, as demonstrated by her significant contributions to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Born in Taiwan, Cindy immigrated to the United States in 1980 and later settled in Monterey Park, where she remains actively engaged in community service. For her lifelong dedication, she received the Hope Charity Myanmar Foundation Lifetime Award. Married to Dr. Edward C. Wong, she is a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who continues to inspire through her kindness, humility, and service. 

Pasadena – Vannia De La Cuba

• Vannia De La Cuba is a public servant with more than 30 years of experience in civic engagement, public policy, and community building in Pasadena and the surrounding region. She currently serves as Deputy to Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo, where she supports citywide and regional initiatives that connect residents, community organizations, and government partners to local and regional resources. Known for her ability to build trust and advance collaborative solutions, she has helped shape policies that support families, strengthen neighborhoods, expand early childhood development and youth education opportunities, and promote affordable housing. Her recent leadership has also included coordinating community response efforts such as the Eaton Fire Collaborative and supporting immigrant families during times of uncertainty. Vannia previously served 17 years as a Field Representative in Pasadena’s 5th District and began her career working in immigrant rights, violence prevention, and family services organizations. She is a graduate of Pasadena Unified School District schools and the University of Southern California and serves on multiple local boards and committees focused on education, health, and community well-being. In 2023, she was recognized as a Woman of Distinction for her leadership and service. Above all, Vannia is a proud mother of three sons—Daniel, Gabo, and Andres—and finds joy in spending time with her family, including her rescued pittie, Moya. 

Pasadena – Christy Zamani 

• Christy Zamani is the Executive Director of Day One and a community leader with more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience across nonprofit and public-sector organizations. Since 2007, she has led Day One with a focus on public health, youth leadership, and equitable systems change, overseeing significant organizational growth, including tripling the budget and expanding services across multiple locations. Under her leadership, the organization has created lasting pathways for youth advancement, with many former participants now serving in staff roles, including director and senior leadership positions. A graduate and former Student Body President of California State University, Long Beach, Christy brings both strategic vision and hands-on expertise in public policy, community health, and youth development. In addition to her long-standing prevention and public health work, Christy has played a key role in supporting fire recovery efforts following the Eaton Fire, helping coordinate community response and long-term recovery initiatives focused on equitable access to housing, resources, and sustained support for displaced and vulnerable residents. Christy is deeply committed to empowering underserved communities, amplifying youth voices, and advancing public health. Her work centers on strengthening systems and policies that promote health, resilience, and opportunity, particularly for those most impacted by systemic inequities and crisis events. 

San Marino – Hon. Gretchen Shepherd Romey

• Gretchen Shepherd Romey recently concluded her second term as Mayor of the City of San Marino and has served on the San Marino City Council since 2017. Her priorities include maintaining the highest level of public safety, preserving San Marino’s historic neighborhoods and mature tree canopy, and strengthening good governance through transparency and accountability. Born in Michigan and raised in Los Angeles, Gretchen is the daughter of a public school teacher and a proud graduate of LAUSD schools. She earned her B.A. with Honors in Russian Studies from the University of Michigan in just three years, then went on to UC Berkeley School of Law, where she co-founded the East Bay Community Law Center and later served as President of the Moot Court Board. After a federal clerkship in San Diego, she practiced law in Los Angeles, representing clients in litigation and entertainment law. Gretchen has served on numerous nonprofit and civic boards, including CASA of Los Angeles and the Huntington Library. She currently serves as a Director of the Metropolitan Water District, where she focuses on water reliability, infrastructure, and long-term regional resilience. She is married to Michael Romey and is the proud mother of two children, Morgan and Turner.

South Pasadena – Hon. Janet Braun

• Janet Braun is a South Pasadena City Councilmember, elected in 2022 and serving as Mayor in 2025, after previously serving on the Planning and Public Safety Commissions, both as Chair. She has also been active in civic leadership and women’s organizations, including Women Involved in South Pasadena Political Advocacy and Women in Leadership Vital Voices, and supported voter protection and turnout efforts during the 2016 presidential election. With more than 30 years of experience in corporate law and business operations, Janet began her legal career at O’Melveny & Myers before holding senior roles at Santa Fe International, NeXstar Pharmaceuticals, and HBT Labs, where she served as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel and helped lead the company’s successful sale. A graduate of Ohio State University with degrees in Industrial and Systems Engineering and Law, she has received recognition for leadership and innovation and serves on multiple university advisory boards. Deeply committed to youth development, Janet has been a longtime leader in AYSO soccer and Scouting America and has served on the boards of Huntington Hospital and several local institutions. She is a proud mother of three children—two Eagle Scouts and a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient. 

Temple City – Samantha Yu Chang

• Samantha Yu is a distinguished property and casualty insurance leader with more than 25 years of experience specializing in construction, high-tech manufacturing facilities, and complex commercial risk management. As President and CEO of Hoya Insurance Agency, based in the San Gabriel Valley, she leads a respected firm serving domestic and international clients. The agency is certified by the National Minority Supplier Development Council. In recognition of her leadership and community impact, Ms. Yu was named Citizen of the Year in 2024 by the Chinese American Elected Officials Association. Beyond insurance, she is a seasoned media professional with over 30 years of experience, having hosted a long-running AM 1300 radio program helping immigrants navigate American society, as well as a daily television news program on Sino TV. Her public service includes appointment by former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon to the California Podiatric Medical Board. She also serves on several boards, including the California Asian Insurance and Financial Professionals Association and the Taiwan Center, and previously led the Global Federation of Chinese Business Women Southern California Chapter. An MBA graduate of Kansas Wesleyan University, she built her company from the ground up and remains a dedicated advocate for opportunity, community empowerment, and service. She is also a proud wife and mother of two daughters.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON – Last week, President Trump’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget request, which proposes to cut NASA’s overall budget by 23% and cut NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) by 47%. This request would also terminate more than 40 space missions, including the Mars Sample Return mission led by Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a first-of-its-kind mission to return samples from Mars to Earth and unlock groundbreaking insights into the planet’s history and the potential for past life.

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Don Bacon (NE-02), who co-Chair the bipartisan Congressional Planetary Science Caucus, released the following joint statement in response:

“We are deeply alarmed that the Administration is once again proposing significant budget cuts to NASA and its science programs. NASA Science supports thousands of jobs and is essential to U.S. national security and leadership in space exploration, scientific discovery, and technological innovation. These drastic cuts would create enormous chaos and uncertainty for critical missions, the scientific workforce, and long-term research planning. At the same time, current funding for NASA Science has not kept pace with inflation, underscoring the need for more investment, not less. That is why, just weeks ago, we led over 100 bipartisan House Members in a letter to appropriators urging increased funding for NASA Science, and we will continue working on a bipartisan basis to ensure NASA receives the full, sustained funding it needs to lead the world in discovery and exploration.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) released a statement condemning President Donald Trump’s words and actions regarding the war in Iran.

“President Donald Trump continues to engage our country in reckless wars, putting the lives of our military in harm’s way without an objective or even a clear exit strategy.

“My fear at the start of his military action in Iran led me to support H.Con. Res. 38, a concurrent resolution directing the President to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran or any part of the Iranian government or military unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted.

“The unhinged threats of ‘A whole civilization will die tonight‘ shows a lack of leadership,” said Congresswoman Adams.

“Under President Trump the cost of living at home continues to rise and our nation’s reputation gradually lowers around the world.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Following the release of President Trump’s budget, which completely eliminates LIHEAP, Pappas and 73 members are demanding the rejection of this proposal

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today sent a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner demanding immediate answers regarding President Donald Trump’s recent executive order directing the United States Postal Service to restrict the delivery of absentee and mail ballots based on a federally compiled eligibility list and new ballot envelope requirements.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi warns that the order would force USPS into an unprecedented and deeply troubling role in federal elections.

“These directives would place USPS in an unprecedented gatekeeping role — effectively determining which voters will receive ballots — despite longstanding constitutional principles that reserve election administration to the states and Congress.”

The letter raises serious concerns that requiring USPS to rely on federal citizenship databases and cross-reference state voter rolls could create administrative failures, delays, and confusion just months before the 2026 midterm elections.

“Moreover, requiring USPS—an entity with no traditional role in voter verification—to integrate and reconcile these disparate systems would impose significant administrative burdens, introduce new points of failure, and likely create delays or errors that could undermine voter confidence and disrupt election administration, particularly in the lead-up to high-turnout federal elections.”

Krishnamoorthi also noted that the executive order appears to rest on claims of widespread mail-ballot fraud that have repeatedly been disproven, with no credible evidence to support efforts to restrict ballot access through federal intervention. The letter further warns that involving USPS in determining voter eligibility would break sharply from its longstanding role as a neutral, nonpartisan carrier of election mail.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi requested a detailed response to the following questions no later than Monday, April 20, 2026:

1. What legal analysis has USPS conducted regarding its authority—or lack thereof—to implement the directives contained in this executive order?

2. Has USPS received formal guidance from the Department of Justice or other federal agencies regarding compliance, and will USPS make that guidance available to Congress?

3. What operational changes would be required for USPS to implement these directives, and what are the projected impacts on mail delivery timelines nationwide?

4. What steps will USPS take to ensure that eligible voters are not disenfranchised due to administrative errors, delayed updates, or conflicts with state election laws?

5. Will USPS commit to maintaining its longstanding role as a neutral carrier of election mail and decline any responsibilities that require the agency to determine voter eligibility?

The letter is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today sent a letter to President Donald Trump following the President’s White House meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, expressing deep concern over Trump’s recent statements threatening to withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and warning that any unilateral withdrawal would be both illegal under current law and dangerous to American national security.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi underscores that Congress has already enacted binding statutory language prohibiting any president from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO without the consent of two-thirds of the Senate or an act of Congress. 

“Any unilateral U.S. exit from NATO would be both strategically reckless and blatantly illegal under current law. Moreover, your rhetoric on this issue risks strengthening our adversaries at the expense of our own security.” 

The letter further warns that even rhetoric questioning America’s commitment to the alliance risks undermining NATO’s deterrent power at a moment of heightened global instability. 

“Abandoning NATO would undermine U.S. credibility with allies and partners worldwide, embolden adversaries such as Russia and China, weaken collective deterrence at a time of heightened global instability, and erode decades of bipartisan American leadership in building a stable international order.” 

Krishnamoorthi also stresses that Congress acted on a bipartisan basis to ensure that dismantling one of the most consequential alliances in American history cannot be done by executive action alone. 

“Congress has acted to ensure that dismantling one of the most consequential alliances in American history cannot be done by executive action alone, and doing so would be flagrantly illegal.” 

The Congressman concludes the letter by urging the President to reverse course and reaffirm America’s commitment to the alliances that have preserved peace and security for generations.

The letter is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

This week, Representatives Ken Calvert (CA-41) andMike Quigley (IL-05) introduced the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act (ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act) of 2026. The ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act will help people living with ALS continue to access promising treatments and further advance the scientific understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. Today, the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act was noticed for a hearing at the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee on April 15, 2026. 

“The ACT for ALS was a landmark law that gave hope to Americans impacted by ALS,” said Rep. Calvert. “It’s now critical that Congress builds upon that milestone by passing the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act to continue our progress in researching cures and treatments. The courageous and extraordinary ALS advocates who helped us pass the ACT for ALS are a source of inspiration and the reason we have reached this moment. I appreciate the leadership of my fellow ALS Caucus colleague Rep. Mike Quigley in sponsoring this bill and working together with me to advance these bipartisan solutions.”

“Every dollar put towards ACT for ALS programs has improved our understanding of ALS and allowed people living with ALS to access promising treatments. We made great progress during the first five years of these programs, but ALS remains a 100% fatal disease. The federal government must continue supporting efforts to end this disease once and for all,” said Rep. Quigley. “The passage of ACT for ALS was one of the greatest accomplishments of my career. I am proud to work alongside Congressman Calvert, Senators Murkowski and Coons, and the incredible organizations fighting neurodegenerative diseases to ensure this work continues.” 

Quigley and Calvert’s legislation will reauthorize ACT for ALS programs for 5 years, codify the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) interpretation of Expanded Access Program eligibility guidelines, require a new FDA 5-year Action Plan, and require a new GAO report on the implementation of ACT for ALS programs in 2030.

In the Senate, the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act is led by Senators Lisa Murkowski (AK) and Chris Coons (DE).

“ALS is a disease that takes from us: it steals movement, communication, and tomorrows,” said Senator Coons. “ACT for ALS funds research to stop ALS from claiming more lives and futures, and to give hope and new treatments to those already fighting its cruelty. I am grateful to Senator Murkowski and Representatives Quigley and Calvert for their partnership on this bipartisan reauthorization bill.”

“ALS is indiscriminate and devastating. It can strike any of us—and it will take all of us working together to support those affected and help end this terminal disease,” said Senator Murkowski. “As an ALS Caucus Co-Chair, I’m honored to introduce the ACT for ALS Reauthorization, which will break down treatment barriers and accelerate the research and development of therapies for those living with ALS.”

This legislation has been endorsed by I AM ALS, the ALS Network, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the ALS Association.

“This bill is urgent – because ALS doesn’t wait, and neither can we,” said Andrea Goodman, CEO of I AM ALS. “Since 2021, ACT for ALS has driven historic progress: unlocking critical funding, expanding access to promising therapies, and accelerating the path toward a cure. The ALS community united to pass this landmark legislation once, and together with partners and advocates nationwide, we will do it again. We are deeply grateful to the I AM ALS volunteer community and to Representatives Quigley and Calvert for their leadership in reintroducing the bill and their commitment to progress.”

“Every day, we hear from individuals and families navigating the realities of ALS, where time is incredibly limited and options are few,” said Sheri Strahl, MPH, MBA, president and CEO of the ALS Network. “Families do not have the luxury of waiting. ACT for ALS has already helped lay the groundwork for a more coordinated and effective approach to ALS research and for expanded access to investigational therapies for those who cannot participate in clinical trials. Reauthorization is essential to sustaining this momentum and ensuring that people living with ALS have every possible opportunity for progress while the search for breakthroughs continues. We are grateful to Representatives Calvert and Quigley for their leadership in advancing this critical effort.”

“The ACT for ALS has become a real-world test of whether our research and regulatory systems can move at the speed our community needs. Early results are very encouraging, but reauthorization is necessary to truly fulfill its promise to our community. The legislation introduced this week is a chance to not only further accelerate our rare neurodegenerative disease drug development approach, but also to provide a blueprint for how rare disease innovation should work going forward,” said Sharon Hesterlee, PhD, President and CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“ACT for ALS has already changed what’s possible for people living with ALS – and our volunteers and staff fought to make this reauthorization even stronger. More accountability. Fewer barriers. Faster pathways to get promising treatments to the people who need them. This bill reflects what our advocates demanded and what people living with ALS deserve: a commitment from the federal government that matches the urgency of this disease,” said Calaneet Balas, President and CEO of the ALS Association.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a letter to Chairman James Comer, urging the rescission of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s subpoena to former Attorney General Pam Bondi.

“After the cooperative briefing delivered by former Attorney General Pam Bondi and careful consideration of the totality of circumstances surrounding our investigative work, I recommend the immediate rescission of the subpoena issued pursuant to Congresswoman Nancy Mace’s motion during the Committee Hearing on March 4, 2026,” wrote Congressman Higgins.

“Our Committee’s investigation has made measurable progress through legitimate legislative oversight, and we are pursuing the truth judiciously. The former Attorney General’s in person, voluntary briefing to Committee was forthcoming and demonstrated the Executive’s willingness to work with Congress in good faith,” continued the letter. “It is my considered opinion that the subpoena is not required, and in fact is injurious to our oversight mission.”

Read the full letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) was recently celebrated for achieving a 100% rating on Heritage Action’s Scorecard for the 119th Congress.

The Heritage Action Scorecard tracks votes and co-sponsorships of key legislation to measure how conservative Members of Congress are. Read Rep. Higgins’ full scorecard here.

“In my congressional service to We the People, I stand by Constitutionalist principles every day,” said Rep. Higgins. “I’m honored to be recognized as one of the most conservative Members of Congress, and I will continue to fight for traditional Christian values in the America First agenda.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

Discovery ChalleNGe Academy serves 200 students annually with high graduation and future employment rates

Harder sent letter to the Pentagon demanding reversal of plans to close program, kill jobs, and strangle millions in economic activity

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced that following his demands for an immediate reversal, the Pentagon has backed off of plans to close Discovery ChalleNGe Academy (DCA), a local school that has helped over 1,200 students graduate and start successful careers. Harder stepped in on plans to terminate the school in a letter to the U.S. Department of War, which funds the program, and successfully secured a commitment to reverse the termination ahead of the upcoming school year.

“This program means better grades, diplomas, and lifelong career success for the kids in our community who are struggling the most, and it’s insane that Washington bureaucrats thought they could get away with messing with our kids’ futures,” said Rep. Harder. “Every student in our community deserves access to the resources and support that they need to thrive. That’s why I immediately called out attempts to permanently close Discovery ChalleNGe Academy, and I’m relieved to see quick results that will save the school from closure.”

DCA is a lifeline for struggling students in the Valley:

• High-Impact Intervention – Through a partnership with the California National Guard and the San Joaquin County Office of Education, DCA provides a structured, 22-week residential program for local at-risk youth aged 16-18.
• Educational Excellence – Students in the program see their GPAs double on average, can earn high school diplomas, develop a wide range of technical skills, and go on to lead successful careers in and outside of the military.
• Community Force Multiplier – DCA contributes over 27,000 hours of local community service, supports dozens of jobs, and doubles the economic impact of every dollar invested in the program.

“We’re grateful for Congressman Josh Harder’s swift and decisive action to secure this outcome, along with Governor Gavin Newsom’s support and the coordinated efforts of our congressional delegation, whose work ensures this program can continue delivering for California’s youth,” said General Matthew Beevers, Adjutant General of the California National Guard.

“We are extremely pleased with the news that students across Northern California will continue to have access to the transformative program that is the Discovery ChalleNGe Academy (DCA). This program’s impact extends beyond achievement in the classroom. It builds dependable, responsible high school graduates and citizens who strengthen their communities,” said Dr. Troy A. Brown, San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools. “We are thankful for all the supporters who spoke in support of DCA, especially Rep. Harder and his team for their advocacy and sense of urgency in preserving this life-changing program.”

Read the full letter here.

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