ANNVILLE, PA, December 14, 2024 – Today 45 cadets from the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) graduated from the 22-week residential phase of the program on their way to a brighter future.
The KSCA is designed to give challenged teens a second chance at obtaining their basic education and the opportunity to learn leadership, self-discipline, and responsibility while working toward finishing their education and building a better life. The cadets participated in numerous community service events throughout the program, including volunteering at food banks, assisting with the annual March for the Fallen, and maintaining the cemetery, park, and military ceremony grounds.
The cadets will now complete a 24-month mentorship phase of the program throughout various communities while they continue their education, join the workforce, or enter the military.
“It was an honor to see our cadets graduate from the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy today after their months-long commitment to the program,” said Brig. Gen. John R. Pippy, Pennsylvania’s acting adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). “Thank you to the academy staff for your dedication to the program and professionalism working with the cadets.”
The opening of the academy at Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG) 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 first 22 weeks of the program consist of residential training at FTIG followed by 24 months of mentorship back in their home communities.
“Today’s graduates should be extremely proud of their accomplishments. Twenty-two weeks ago, you put your lives aside and accepted an incredible challenge that required discipline, resilience, and tenacity,” said Marc Ferraro, DMVA executive deputy secretary and commencement speaker. “Now you have the tools and knowledge to return to your lives and families with the ability for success, a bright future, and to be a role model for others. You will always have the support of DMVA and the academy staff, and we can’t wait to see what you achieve going forward.”
The KSCA is a joint effort between the DMVA and the National Guard Bureau in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
The KSCA is now accepting applications for its next class, slated to begin in January.
For detailed eligibility requirements and to begin the application process, visit our Eligibility and Admissions webpage. If you prefer to have an application mailed to you or would like to talk with someone about this program, please contact the academy by emailing RA- MVPACHALLENGE@pa.gov or by calling 717-861-7767 or 717-820-2936.
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 Community, Health and Hygiene, and Life Coping Skills. Graduates often receive high school credits, credentials, or a GED. There is no tuition cost to attend. Meals, housing, uniforms, and school supplies are provided at no charge.
Since the program’s inception in 1993, more than 200,000 young people have completed the ChalleNGe program nationwide. 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 of not satisfactorily progressing, are unemployed, or underemployed.
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.
More details about Pennsylvania’s KSCA can be found at www.dmva.pa.gov/KeystoneStateChallengeAcademy.
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