Former Oregon basketball standout Fred Jones became a spokesman for the Oregon National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program on Monday. The OYCP is a voluntary 17-month program providing at-risk youth a second chance for success as the only alternative school for high school dropouts in Oregon.
Jones agreed to be an OYCP spokesman in light of the organization’s worthwhile contributions made toward helping dropouts attain necessary training for adulthood.
“The Oregon National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program provides education and life-skills training for high-school dropouts who want to become productive and responsible adults,” Jones said.
Prior to being the first-round choice of the Indiana Pacers in the 2002 draft, Jones averaged 18.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in his senior season with the Ducks. He helped lead Oregon to a 26-9 record, which was good enough for its first outright Pacific-10 Conference title in 63 years.
Since then, Jones has made a name for himself playing in the NBA with the Pacers. He was the 2004 NBA Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk Champion and hopes that he can help families statewide learn more about the OYCP.
“I am pleased to represent the program because it provides the structure and educational opportunity for at-risk youth to succeed,” Jones said. “I look forward to helping raise awareness about the program as well as working with the cadets and cadre.”
Jones was first asked to be a spokesman for the program after he was recognized by OYCP students as an Oregonian who OYCP and its peers both admire and respect. Upon considering this and his achievements on the court and in the classroom (Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology), Col. Mike Caldwell of the Oregon National Guard saw Jones as a formidable candidate for spokesman. Caldwell is a Deputy Director for State Affairs with the National Guard.
“Freddy Jones is an excellent role model who values hard work and education, which are at the core of our program,” Caldwell said. “We are delighted to be associated with Freddy and very pleased and appreciative that he has agreed to represent our Oregon National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program. We look forward to involving him in our activities as his time permits during the upcoming NBA season.”
The 17-month program applies to youths ages 16 to 18 who are recognized as cadets upon entering it. They work through a two-phase program starting with a five-and-a-half-month residential program aimed to help them develop skills for coping with life. They also perform community service and attend classes leading to a high school diploma, general education diploma, or recovery of up to eight high school credits according to their Web site.
The program is free to cadets and their families and is preceded by a full year of mentoring by a responsible adult in the cadet’s home community. Cadets are encouraged during this time to be active in their communities by utilizing their newfound life skills. More than 3,000 cadets have entered the Oregon National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program since 1995.
This is not the first time Jones has given back to troubled youth. He has been an active supporter for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana. Jones has donated tickets to academic achievers in the organization’s program and Kids on Deck, those who are currently on the waiting list for mentors. He and his teammate Jeff Foster hosted the Big Brothers Big Sisters 2003 Holiday Hoopla.
Details about the OYCP Program can be found by visiting the OYCP Web site at www.oycp.com or by calling 541-317-9623.

[email protected]