The Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy intervenes in the lives of youth ages 16-18 needing a second chance by training, mentoring and developing these individuals into responsible and productive citizens of Indiana.
The Indiana National Guard Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy is part of the National Youth ChalleNGe Program which was established in 1993 by the National Guard and has graduated over 90,000 Cadets. The Youth ChalleNGe Program was developed to change the life path of young men and women between the ages of 16 and 18 who have dropped out of high school or are severely deficient in credits by bringing structure and discipline to these unfocused lives with an emphasis on the eight Core Components.
•Leadership and Followership
•Responsible Citizenship
•Academic Excellence
•Job Skills
•Life Coping Skills
•Health and Hygiene
•Service to Community
•Physical Fitness
Participant requirements:
•16-18 years old
•Volunteer to come to HYCA
•High school dropout, expellee, or deficient in credits
•Unemployed or underemployed
•Drug free
•No felony convictions or pending court cases. This academy is designed to offer its students a variety of educational opportunities as well as the necessary life skills to be successful members of their community, work and school.
The Hoosier ChalleNGe Academy is a 17 ½ month, two phase quasi-military modeled training academy. The Residential Phase consists of five and one half (5 1/2) months while the Post Residential Phase is 12 months. In the course of this academy, students referred to as Cadets, are assisted in attaining their General Educational Diploma (G.E.D) if they qualify and gain valuable life skills during the first five months. Cadets are encouraged and assisted in continuing their education in a college, trade or technical school. Each Cadet obtains additional assistance from a Mentor, who offers guidance and advice with the PRAP during the remaining 12 months. This program is offered to residents of Indiana at 100% tuition free (No cost to parents or participants).
ChalleNGe empowers youths to embrace responsibility, achievement and positive behavior. The Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy program will instill confidence, foster ambition and increase employment opportunities for the graduate.
To intervene in and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth to produce program graduates with the values, skills, education and self-discipline necessary to succeed as and adult.
