(AllHipHop News) Kevin Gates has had his fair share of trouble with the law, but the Atlantic recording artist’s maturation includes informing adolescents about life decisions. On March 15, Gates visited the Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program as a guest speaker.
The Luca Brasi 3 creator is an alumnus of the Youth Challenge Program in Carville. He attended YCP in 2002 as part of the 4th Platoon Wolfpack. Gates said, “YCP was one of the best life-changing experiences for me. I really started to see myself develop.”
Cadets were encouraged to continue to progress with the alternative educational option. The 17-month program focuses on 8 core components: Life Coping Skills, Academic Excellence, Job Skills, Responsible Citizenship, Leadership/Followership, Health & Hygiene, Service to the Community, and Physical Fitness.
“YCP took me away from the environment I was in and taught me teamwork and team building skills. It taught me leadership skills and determination,” stated Gates. The 33-year-old rapper also praised former Louisiana Army National Guard senior enlisted advisor Sergeant Major Dennis Sapp.