SALEM — Timothy Andrew, of Bend, first started having a difficult time in elementary school.

He just stopped caring. A few setbacks along the way — his stepfather died, he broke his leg — pushed him further behind.

“I just didn’t feel like doing anything,” Timothy said.

Years later, Timothy attended orientation for the Oregon Youth Challenge, a state-accredited alternative high school on 160 acres nine miles east of Bend. But Timothy, now 16, was initially turned away. For the past two years, the alternative high school has been turning away as many as 50 applicants a year for lack of space.

Sen. Doug Whitsett, R-Klamath Falls, toured the facility recently with a handful of other lawmakers, and said he’s hoping to find money this legislative session to funnel toward the school so it can expand. No legislation has been introduced. Whitsett, a fiscal conservative, said finding the money won’t be easy.

“But the point of return on investment … it’s just a most impressive program,” the senator said.

He’s in the early stages of talking to lawmakers with the hopes of “creating a pathway” for the expansion.

The program budget is about $4.6 million a year. The school, operated by the Oregon National Guard, accommodates 16- to 18-year-olds using a military-style structure. Students, or cadets, attend free.

The largest chunk of the program budget comes from the federal government, with some from the state. Only with state funds can the school afford capital construction projects, such as building new dormitories and kitchen areas.

The cost of Whitsett’s proposed expansion is not clear. The state capital construction budget, where the school expansion would fall, is usually one of the final items approved by the Legislature, which is set to adjourn near the end of June.

House Republican Leader Mike McLane, of Powell Butte, said he’s a fan of the school after seeing how it has helped some students.

“I’ve had a family friend whose son went through the system and is a success story,” McLane said.

Timothy eventually applied a second time to the program.

“I reapplied and then junior year, I got the phone call and I was so excited,” he said. “I accepted the invitation and it started me back on the right path to get caught up.”

His plan is to finish the 22-week program and return to Summit High School to get his diploma.

His long-term vision now includes becoming a pilot and eventually enlisting in the Air Force while earning his bachelor’s degree.

OYC Director Dan Radabaugh said the program goal is to give students who are struggling in school, close to dropping out, some structure and discipline. The students can’t be on parole or probation and have to be free of drugs and alcohol and felony charges.

“The bottom line is we’re trying to take possible tax burdens from the future and turn them into taxpayers,” he said.

Sharon Harmon, 17, of Redmond, is more than halfway through the program. After a couple of rough years at home, nearly dropping out of school and using drugs, she said the program has helped her “refocus.”

“It’s helping me get my priorities straight,” Sharon said.

She plans to return to Redmond High School and graduate when she’s done with the program.

“I didn’t go through 5 1/2 months for nothing. … Why would I waste all that just so I go back to what I used to be, instead of what I became after such a challenge?” she said.