Annville , PA – Today, 19 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 at an event benefitting homeless veterans, stocking trout in lakes, and cleaning up cemetery, park, and military ceremony grounds.
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The cadets will now complete a one-year mentorship phase of the program throughout various communities while they continue their education, join the workforce, or enter the military.
“Today we celebrate the accomplishments of 19 cadets from the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy who 22 weeks ago had an unclear future. Today they are ready to tackle life challenges with a new outlook,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). “This graduation is not the end of their journey, it’s the beginning of a new journey built on resilience and success. Congratulations to all the cadets for working hard and reaching the pinnacle of the academy program. You have every reason to stand proud.”
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.
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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 followed by one year of mentorship back in their home communities.
The KSCA is a joint effort between the DMVA and the National Guard Bureau in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
“Keystone State Challenge Academy cadets are capable of anything they set their mind to, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education is committed to supporting them throughout their educational journey,” said PDE Executive Deputy Secretary Angela Fitterer, who served as the commencement speaker. “The grit, tenacity, and determination these graduates demonstrate will set themselves up for success in the future, whether they plan to join the military, pursue higher education, serve as an apprentice, or start their own business.”The KSCA is now accepting applications for its next class, slated to begin in July.
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 [email protected], or by calling 717-861-7767 or 717-861-8831.
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.
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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 for not satisfactorily progressing, are unemployed or under employed.
The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program currently operates 39 Youth Challenge sites in 30 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.
NOTE: Photos and video from this event are available at www.pacast.com.
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