ANNVILLE, PA — The Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) is now accepting applications for its fifth class of cadets due to start in July 2024. The academy, located at Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG) in Lebanon County, serves as a beacon of hope, offering a second chance to teens struggling to keep pace in traditional high school settings.
Since its inception in July 2022, the KSCA has been a crucial part of the National Guard Bureau’s Youth ChalleNGe Program in Pennsylvania. The program provides a unique opportunity for 16- to 18-year-old male and female residents who may be underperforming in high school or are uncertain about their path to graduation.
The KSCA’s mission goes beyond academics. It aims to instill leadership, self-discipline, and responsibility in its cadets, equipping them with the skills they need to build successful futures. The program lasts for 17 months, with the first five months consisting of residential training at FTIG, followed by a year of mentorship within the community.
Steve Grossman, KSCA director, spoke enthusiastically about the program’s impact. “Our academy graduates display a strong desire to learn and succeed,” said Grossman. “We’re inspired by their commitment and hard work as they change their life’s trajectory towards a future filled with hope and promise.”
The KSCA offers two classes each year, starting in mid-July and mid-January. Applications are accepted throughout the year, ensuring that those who need it most have access to this transformative opportunity.
The program is a joint effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), the National Guard Bureau, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Cadets at the academy are introduced to a 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. The best part? There’s no tuition cost to attend. The academy provides meals, housing, uniforms, and school supplies at no charge, ensuring that financial constraints don’t stand in the way of a teen’s chance at success.
Since its national inception in 1993, the Youth ChalleNGe Program has seen over 200,000 cadets graduate from academies across the country. It’s been hailed as one of the nation’s most effective and cost-efficient initiatives for targeting youth who have dropped out of school or are at risk of falling behind. Today, the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program operates 40 Youth ChalleNGe academies and eight job academies in 30 states and territories.
Why is this program important? In an era where academic pressure can lead to high dropout rates, programs like the KSCA offer much-needed alternatives. They provide a lifeline for teens struggling to fit into traditional educational molds, helping them find their footing and build a strong foundation for the future.
The KSCA is more than just an academy; it’s a testament to the belief that everyone deserves a second chance, and that with the right support, struggling teens can turn their lives around. As Pennsylvania faces the challenges of supporting its academically challenged youth, the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy stands as a beacon of hope, showing that with commitment, hard work, and the right guidance, every teen can build a promising future.
More details can be found on the DMVA website.
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