Faces of California Military Department's
Task Force Torch
Celebrating National Mentoring Month
Stories by U.S. Army Sgt. Marla Ogden
California Military Department Public Affairs
Jan. 31, 2024
Los Alamitos, Calif. - The California Military Department's Youth and Community Programs Task Force, known as Task Force Torch, creates pathways to success for California's youth by empowering them with tools to shape their own futures.
Through nine quasi-military educational programs, Task Force Torch actively creates and sustains impactful transformations by fostering trust, promoting responsible citizenship, and encouraging purposeful engagement.
This January, during National Mentoring Month, we're spotlighting some of the dedicated professionals behind Task Force Torch, who are a beacon of stability and encouragement for the youth entrusted to their care.
Creating life-changing experiences for California's youth
Click the images to view their stories.
Sunburst Youth Academy
"Seeing the kids from the beginning through to graduation and just seeing the transformation… It’s really amazing."
California Cadet Corps
"The goal is for us as adults is to move out of the way and allow the cadets to have that leadership development."
STARBASE
"When students come to STARBASE, we aim to make learning really fun for them so that it opens a door for them."
California Job Challenge
"To be able to give them a safe space where they can be around similar experiences, and they can feel comfortable and promoted to start changing, that's a win."
Discovery ChalleNGe Academy
“Here, we’re not changing lives, we're transforming them.”
Grizzly Youth Academy
"They often come in with a lot of baggage or trauma, but if you can identify with them to guide them, it'll help. I tell them, 'The best experience I have to help you guys out is my past.'"
Porterville Military Academy
"What we're doing is making future leaders and instilling skills into our students so that they can be great."
Oakland Military Institute
"We really support our youth to excel with the military structure and discipline by ensuring that they are prepared."
California Military Institute
“It's about having that ability to show them that they can do more, being able to tell them and explain to them that if you stick to these standards and disciplines, it's going to pay dividends in the future.”
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