Chicago Bears player featured on new Lincoln's Challenge Academy public service announcement

SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/18/2016)(readMedia)-- In cooperation with the Illinois Broadcasters Association and the Chicago Bears, the Illinois National Guard produced a public service announcement to discuss the Lincoln's Challenge Program, in Rantoul, Illinois. The highly-effective program for Illinois' at-risk youth is in need to new Cadets to guide and help put on the right path to be successful at life.
WHO: • Lincoln’s Challenge Academy

• Chicago Bears Offensive Tackle, Charles Leno Jr.

• Illinois Broadcasters Association

• Illinois National Guard
WHAT: • The Illinois National Guard produced a public service announcement on the Lincoln’s Challenge Academy (LCA), a quasi-military academy for Illinois’ at-risk youth located in Rantoul, Illinois.

• Charles Leno Jr., offensive tackle for the Chicago Bears, agreed to serve as a spokesman for the PSA after the Illinois Broadcasters Association helped secure the Chicago Bears’ assistance.

• More than 14,500 Cadets have graduated from the LCA since its launch in 1993, exceeding any other program nationwide. Approximately 75% of LCA graduates earn a GED and 95% find gainful employment, continue college or join the military following graduation.

• LCA is taking applications for the summer session.

• More information on LCA can be found at http://lincolnschallenge.org.
WHEN: Monday April 18, 2016 at 02:00PM Central Time (US & Canada)
WHERE: Illinois
NOTES: • Video and audio versions of the PSA are available on the Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS).

• 30-second video:https://www.dvidshub.net/video/450753/lincolns-challenge-30-second-psa#.Vszgbv60iUk

• 60-second video:https://www.dvidshub.net/video/450771/lincolns-challenge-60-second-psa#.Vszgjv60iUk

• 30-second video:https://www.dvidshub.net/audio/43243/lincolns-challenge-30-second-psa-audio#.Vszgm_60iUk

• 60-second video:https://www.dvidshub.net/audio/43245/lincolns-challenge-60-second-psa-audio#.Vszgp_60iUk

• Any questions regarding the PSA should be directed to the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at 217-761-3569 or at ng.il.ilarng.list.staff-pao@mail.mil.