ANNVILLE, PA — Fifty-six cadets graduated Saturday from the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy’s 22-week residential program, marking another milestone for Pennsylvania’s effort to help at-risk teens complete their education, develop workforce skills, and prepare for long-term career opportunities.
The graduates, members of Class 26-1, completed the intensive residential phase of the program at Fort Indiantown Gap and will now transition into a 24-month mentorship phase in their home communities as they pursue education, employment, and other career goals.
Operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in partnership with the National Guard Bureau, the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy is designed for Pennsylvania residents ages 16 to 18 who are struggling in traditional educational settings or are not on track to graduate from high school.
During the residential phase, cadets completed 2,467 hours of community service, volunteering at food banks, assisting with the annual March for the Fallen event, and maintaining cemetery, park, and military ceremony grounds. Program officials estimated those efforts generated up to $89,157 in labor cost savings for local communities.
“The level of dedication, energy and pride by this class was truly inspiring,” Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said. “DMVA is proud to be a part of something that creates such profound impacts across the commonwealth.”
The academy opened at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County in July 2022, formally establishing the National Guard Bureau’s Youth ChalleNGe Program in Pennsylvania. Since then, the program has graduated more than 200 cadets.
Participants receive instruction built around eight core areas: academic excellence, physical fitness, leadership and followership, responsible citizenship, job skills, community service, health and hygiene, and life coping skills. Graduates often earn high school credits, industry credentials, or a GED during the program. Meals, housing, uniforms, and school supplies are provided at no cost.
“Class 26-1 has shown personal growth beyond measure,” said KSCA Program Director Steve Grossman. “From academics to community service initiatives, these young men and women are certainly on their ways to brighter, productive lives.”
The academy is continuing to accept applications for Class 26-2, which begins July 12, although officials said available slots are filling quickly. Applicants who are not admitted into the summer class may be placed on a waiting list for Class 27-1, scheduled to begin in January 2027.
The Pennsylvania program is part of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, which has graduated more than 200,000 young people nationwide since its launch in 1993. The initiative currently operates 37 Youth ChalleNGe sites and nine Job ChalleNGe programs across 29 states and territories.
More information about eligibility requirements and the application process is available at www.dmva.pa.gov/KeystoneStateChallengeAcademy. Prospective applicants and families may also contact the academy by email at RA-MVPACHALLENGE@pa.gov or by calling 717-861-7767 or 717-820-2936.
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