National Guard Youth Challenge Program

Since 1993, the National Guard Youth Challenge Program has helped teens develop self-discipline, leadership and responsibility as they work toward a high school diploma or equivalency.

Since 1993, more than 215,000 teens have graduated from the program. The program is offered free of charge to eligible candidates ages 15½ to 18 in 45 programs operating in 29 states, districts and territories.

The NGYCP is a voluntary five-and-a-half-month residential program followed by a 12-month mentorship. During the residential phase of the program, cadets participate in a military training environment that emphasizes discipline, consistency and structure.

Cadets attend classes daily to prepare them to return to high school or complete GED testing. The program focuses on the social, emotional and academic development of cadets by teaching them:

• Academic excellence
• Life skills
• Service to the community
• Health and hygiene
• Job skills
• Leadership and followership
• Physical fitness
• Responsible citizenship

Cadets choose a mentor from their community who is specially trained to work with them for the 12 months following the residential portion of the NGYCP. Mentors help cadets apply their new skills to real-life situations and continue working toward their goals.

The NGYCP is open to teens who will be 15½ to 18 years old when they enter the program. Additionally, applicants must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident of the United States
• Be significantly behind or no longer working toward a high school diploma or the equivalent
• Be unemployed or underemployed
• Be willing to be free from illegal drug and substance use, alcohol and tobacco
• Not have a felony charge or conviction
• Be physically and mentally capable of fully participating in the program. Reasonable accommodations will be made for physical or other disabilities.

Since 2016, more than 80% of program graduates have earned high school diplomas or enough credits to return to high school in good standing. In addition, more than 80% of graduates are placed in school, jobs or the military within one year of graduation.

With these successes, the program is a great opportunity for teens who are looking for opportunities to succeed outside of a traditional education setting.

Learn more about the National Guard Youth Challenge Program.

Learn more