HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania marked a year of service and second chances by honoring military veterans in state government and celebrating a record-breaking class of teens completing a transformative National Guard–led program, state officials announced this weekend.
During 2025, Commonwealth agencies recognized 1,000 newly hired state employees who are serving or previously served in the U.S. Armed Forces as part of the annual Pennsylvania State Employee Military Service Recognition Campaign. The initiative highlights the growing role veterans play across state government and underscores Pennsylvania’s commitment to recruiting and supporting those with military backgrounds.
Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said veterans bring leadership, discipline, and a mission-driven mindset that strengthens public service. Honorees received a lapel pin bearing both the American and Pennsylvania flags, symbolizing their dual service to country and Commonwealth.
Since the program began in 2019, more than 20,000 state employees with military service have been formally recognized. Pennsylvania currently employs about 13,000 veterans, who receive priority for job referrals and training opportunities, with disabled veterans given the highest preference. The recognition campaign also promotes awareness of veteran benefits, mentoring programs, and enrollment in the Pennsylvania Veterans Registry.
A day later, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs turned its attention to the next generation, announcing the graduation of 75 cadets from the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. The class, known as 25-2, is the largest in the program’s history.
The 22-week residential program is designed for at-risk teens ages 16 to 18 who are struggling in traditional school settings. Cadets work toward completing their education while developing leadership, discipline, and life skills in a structured environment modeled after military training.
During the program, the graduating class completed more than 3,200 hours of community service, supporting food banks, maintaining cemeteries and parks, and assisting with events such as the March for the Fallen. Their efforts are estimated to have saved nearly $93,400 in labor costs for local communities.
Pippy called the graduation a milestone, praising both the cadets and academy staff for their dedication. Graduates will now enter a 24-month mentorship phase in their home communities as they pursue employment, further education, or military service.
KSCA Director Steve Grossman said the class showed strong academic gains, including GED completion and credit recovery, along with notable growth in leadership and teamwork. He encouraged families seeking alternative paths to graduation to consider the program, citing its track record of preparing teens for long-term success.
The academy, which opened in 2022, is Pennsylvania’s implementation of the National Guard Bureau’s Youth ChalleNGe Program. There is no tuition, and cadets receive housing, meals, uniforms, and school supplies at no cost. The program is a partnership between DMVA, the National Guard Bureau, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Applications are now open for the next class, scheduled to begin in January, as Pennsylvania continues to invest in both those who have served and those working toward a fresh start.
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