Grizzly Youth Academy (GYA) is a partnership between the California National Guard and the Grizzly Challenge Charter School. For youth between the ages of 16 and 18 who have dropped out of high school, or are at-risk of dropping out, we offer a highly-structured environment that promotes leadership, cooperation, and academic skills, while building self-esteem, pride, and confidence.
Once accepted into the program, cadets are introduced to the military structure, participate in team building activities, practice making healthy choices, attend school daily, gain organizational and study skills, participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, and receive the support they need to turn their lives around.
The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe program is voluntary. Young men and women who apply must be committed to completing the 22-week residential phase and the 12-month post-residential phase.
Tuition, room and board, and books are provided at no cost to the family. Cadets must bring a few basic essential items (underwear, shoes, sweats, toiletries, grooming essentials and other personal items). The rest is provided.
Grizzly Youth Academy is funded primarily through the Federal government and State of California. Additional funding is provided by grants and donations.
The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe experience has transformed the lives of over 113,000 youth. The changes are powerful, impacting not only the graduates but rippling out to touch their families and communities.