ChalleNGe Program offered at Washington Youth Academy
ChalleNGe Program offered at Washington Youth Academy
The Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy (WYCA) is the premiere academic and life-coping intervention program for every high school in the state. A National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program in partnership with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Academy is FREE to disengaged youth residing in the State of Washington. Since the program’s inception in 2009, the WYCA has graduated nearly 4000 students. Our vision is to provide youth at risk of dropping out (behind in credits or disengaged from school) with the opportunity to change through personal growth in positive values, life coping skills, and job skills training. Helping youth get back on track toward a quality education, the program incorporates a highly structured, quasi-military format, with an emphasis on student discipline and personal responsibility. Class cycles begin every January and July. Students attend the 5 ½ month residential program and return to their school with eight to twelve credits to use towards on-time graduation. The WYCA connects graduates with volunteer Regional Advocates from their hometown and assigned Academy staff, both of whom monitor and support the graduates’ action plans for 24 months – assistance highly valued by school counselors.
Physical Address
1207 Carver Street, Bremerton, WA 98312
Hours
M-F, 8am-5pm
Voice
Application process
Accepting applications for the January and July 2025 Classes.
Fee
Free
Eligibility
Volunteer for the program. Females and males, 16 – 18 years of age at the time of entry into the program. Applicants who are 15- years old and who will turn 16 during the Residential phase can attend if approved by the Program Director, but such applicants must be enrolled in a high school credit recovery track to allow for their eventual return to high school. Applicants will not exceed 18 years of age on the first day of the Residential Phase. High school dropout or at risk of dropping out due to credit deficiency. A resident of Washington State and a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Free of felony charges and no pending court proceedings. Willing to be free from use of illegal drugs or substances while enrolled in the program. Physically and mentally capable to participate in the program with reasonable accommodation for physical and other disabilities
Agency info
Washington Youth Academy
Provides at-risk youth a quality education, positive values, and life and job skills training that will change their lives and give them hope and opportunity for a new future.