HARRISBURG — The Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy is accepting applications for its next class of cadets which begins in January 2025. There is no tuition cost to attend. Meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no charge.
The KSCA is designed to give academically challenged teens a second chance at obtaining their basic education, learn leadership, self-discipline,and responsibility to build a better life, KSCA officials said.
The opening of the academy at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County in July 2022 formally established the National Guard Bureau’s Youth ChalleNGe Program in Pennsylvania.
The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who are failing to progress in high school or may not be on a clear path to graduating. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. The program lasts for 17 months, with the first five months consisting of residential training at FTIG and a minimum of a one-year of mentorship back in their home communities.
“This academy continues to graduate exceptional young men and women who are focused and determined to be successful and live a quality, productive life,” said Steve Grossman, KSCA director. “To see the transition from a first-day candidate to a proud cadet graduate standing tall with all the confidence in the world is truly incredible. I encourage anyone looking to get back on track socially and academically to give this academy a chance.”
The KSCA conducts two classes a year, one starting in mid-July and the other in mid-January. Applications are accepted all year long.
For detailed eligibility requirements and to begin the application process, visit the Eligibility and AdmissionsOpens In A New Window webpage. Those who prefer to have an application mailed or would like to talk with someone about this program may contact the academy by emailing [email protected], or by calling 717-861-7767 or 717-861-8831.
The KSCA is a joint effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the National Guard Bureau in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education .
Cadets are introduced to the military structure and focus on eight core components: Academic excellence, physical fitness, leadership/followership, responsible citizenship, job skills, service to the communit, health and hygiene and life coping skills. Graduates often receive high school credits, credentials or a GED.
Since the program’s inception in 1993, more than 200,000 cadets have graduated from Youth Challenge academies nationwide (including programs no longer in operation).
This award-winning program has been recognized as one of the nation’s most effective and cost-efficient programs for targeting youth who have dropped out of school or are at the greatest risk for not satisfactorily progressing, or are unemployed or under employed.
The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program currently operates 40 Youth ChalleNGe sites in 28 states and territories. The program is both federally and state funded.
