Youth ChalleNGe Academy

The Georgia National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program (Ga. YCP) provides a second chance for at-risk 16-18 year old Georgians at three academies. The Youth ChalleNGe Academies (YCAs) are located at Fort Stewart, near Savannah, and Fort Gordon in Augusta. The Georgia Job Challenge Academy (Ga. JCA) is also located on Fort Stewart. The YCAs conduct a residential, militarylike, alternative education program that emphasizes structure, consistency, discipline, teamwork, and selfimprovement. The Ga. JCA is a fivemonth post residential vocational training program for eligible YCA graduates that continues the YCA model.

A 27-year-old program, the GaYCP has provided an opportunity for 17,737 graduates to turn their lives around. In the past twelve months, 594 cadets have graduated from GaYCP and 123 earned education credentials (71 GEDs and 52 high school diplomas). Cadets earned 2,412 high school credits.

Negotiating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ga. YCP delayed classes in March 2020 while developing the plans and procedures necessary to resume safely. Residential classes began again in August 2020. Mandated state budget reductions necessitated the closure of the Milledgeville YCA.

Cadets entering the residential program face a challenging and intensive 22-week militarylike structured environment that emphasizes a holistic approach to self-development. Cadets receive training and education in the following eight core components: academic excellence, job skills, responsible citizenship, service to community, life coping skills, leadership/followership, health and hygiene, and physical fitness. Our high school education program is supported through a partnership with Foothills Education Charter High School. Additionally, job-training opportunities exist through a relationship with Job Corps at Fort Stewart. Eligible cadets also have the opportunity to take college courses while in their residential phase.

Upon graduation, cadets continue with the 12-month mentored phase paired with an adult mentor who works with the cadet in meeting their postresidential goals. Over 48 percent of our graduates enter the workforce, 45 percent continue with their education, five percent make the military their career choice, and 15 percent choose to attend our Job Challenge Academy.

YCA graduates who have earned their GED or HS diploma continue their education at numerous two and four-year institutions or have entered the workforce in careers such as medical, law enforcement, military, academia, performing arts, and the legal profession, to name a few.

The Job Challenge Academy provides vocational training to recent YCA graduates. This five-month residential program offers students certificate or credit earning vocational training through a partnership with Savannah Technical College and Coastal Pine Technical College. The Ga. JCA has completed nine classes with 421 graduates, 96 percent earning college credits or certifications, 81 percent working in jobs by their trade, and 82 have enlisted in the military.

Overall, Ga.YCP provides a benefit to local communities producing thousands of productive, educated, trained, and participatory citizens. The Ga. YCP continues to provide a second chance to Georgia’s at-risk youth, preparing them for a productive future.