- “About the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program” (YouTube Video)
- Mission Statement: “The mission of the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth to produce program graduates with the values, skills, education and self-discipline necessary to succeed as responsible and productive citizens of adults.”
- History of ChalleNGe (PDF): This document outlines the history of the Youth ChalleNGe Program.
- NGYCP Program Facts (PDF): This document provides current national statistics about the Youth ChalleNGe Program.
One of the major social challenges facing the nation today is the plight of teenagers who drop out of high school before graduation. Every day, over 5,000 students drop out of high school in this country – that amounts to more than one million dropouts every year. In May 2006, in a Time Magazine cover story, the editors deemed America a “Drop Out Nation.”
About the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy
The Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy (IDYCA) is a volunteer program for 15-½ to 18 year old* teens who are at risk of dropping out or have already dropped out of high school. The program is open to all students, without regard to race, sex, religious affiliation or household income. The goal of the program is to give youth a second chance to become responsible and productive citizens by helping them improve their life skills, education levels, and employment potential. The program incorporates a highly structured format, with an emphasis on student discipline and personal responsibility, to provide a positive, safe, and secure learning environment.
A division of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, the IDYCA was established under authority of both federal and state law. As a state-run residential and post-residential intervention, the program requires a 29-1/2 month commitment and is divided into three phases. The program begins with a two-week “Acclimation Phase,” where staff works with new teens to see if they have the fortitude to become Cadets. During the remaining five months of the Residential Phase, youth work on improving in each of the Eight Core Components, and build a set of goals called a Post-Residential Action Plan (PRAP), with the help of IDYCA staff. If the youth complete this phase, they participate in a commencement ceremony, and enter the Post-Residential Phase.
Acclimation Phase
The first two weeks of the program is the Acclimation period. Candidates are assessed to determine their potential for successfully completing the program. Candidates learn to adjust to the physical, mental, and social discipline of the program. The focus is on leadership, teamwork, code of conduct, and physical fitness training. Candidates who successfully complete the Acclimation Phase will earn the distinction of becoming a IDYCA Cadet and proceed to the ChalleNGe Phase, also known as the Residential Phase.
Residential Phase
The 22-week Residential Phase provides Cadets opportunities to make basic lifestyle changes that are approached through a rigorous program of education, training, and service to community. Cadets focus on eight core components that develop the whole person – mind, body and personal values. Emphasis is on self-discipline, self-esteem, education and development of healthy lifestyles. A Cadet’s action plan outlines their personal education, career, housing, and transportation goals for the next phase of the program and beyond.
Post-Residential Phase
After Cadets complete the Residential Phase, they return to their Idaho communities. Staff continue to contact the youth for the next two years, providing advice, guidance and support to help him/her continue the positive success and direction achieved during the Residential Phase.
*15-½ to 18 year old age requirement clarified:
- 15-½ year old applicants must turn 16 years old by the published graduation date
- 18 year old applicants may turn 19 years old after completion of the Acclimation Phase