View allAll Photos Tagged youthchallengeacademy
Youth ChalleNGe cadet Triana Daughtry of Augusta reviews her writing with "A Backpack Journalist" instructor Dillon Horne during a free-verse poetry course.
(Photo by Spc. Ashley Fontenot, Public Affairs Office, Georgia Department of Defense)
The Post ChalleNGe program conducted a graduation ceremony at the Aiken Technical College in Graniteville, South Carolina, Dec. 6, 2018, after the cadets completed the 20-week program that began in July. The Post ChalleNGe program is a collaborative effort between the South Carolina National Guard, Aiken Technical College, Clemson University's Youth Learning Institute Camp Long facility, Lower Savannah Council of Governments' Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and Aiken County Public School District. The program is a 20-week extension to the Youth ChalleNGe Academy. Cadets selected for the Post ChalleNGe program have an opportunity to earn applied science certificates from Aiken Technical College in a high demand field. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Jessica Donnelly, South Carolina National Guard)
HEPHZIBAH, Ga. October 4, 2015 – Georgia Guardsmen, State Defense Force Volunteers and Youth Challenge Academy Cadets join forces to fill 8,000 sand bags for use in Augusta and South Carolina following torrential rains from Hurricane Joaquin. Georgia National Guard photo by Capt. William Carraway / releeased
The Youth ChalleNGe Academy Color Guard presented the colors during a ceremony at Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, Georgia on January 20, 2019. U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Tori Miller.
AUGUSTA GA. - (From left to right) State Representative Barbara Massey Reece, Winette Bradley, Director of Alternative Education for Richmond County, and Maj. Gen William T. Nesbitt, the Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard, present a plaque commemorating the graduation to Youth ChalleNGe Academy Cadet Joshua Carroll, the 10,000th youth to go through the Academy as of March 5, 2011. Carroll says he is honored to receive the recognition, and adds that he plans on going to college to earn his music degree.
(Photo by Spc. Denise Durbin-Carlton, Georgia Army National Guard)
Georgia’s Adjutant General, Major General William T. Nesbitt, received the 2011 “Challenge Champion" award at the sixth annual Youth Challenge Champions Gala presented by the National Guard Youth Foundation on March 1 in Washington, D.C. Nesbitt was among four individuals to receive the prestigious award. The Washington event also recognized a Youth Challenge Academy milestone of having graduated more than 100,000 students since the YCA program began in 1993. Joining Nesbitt in receiving the “Challenge Champion” honor was Governor Haley R. Barbour, Governor of Mississippi, U.S. Representative Grace F. Napolitano of California, and John Barnes, co-owner of Panther Racing, an Indy Car racing organization. Youth Challenge Academy, a youth development program of the National Guard, is a 22-week, in-residence, military-styled program that emphasizes academics, the development of important life skills, and physical fitness. Each year once “at-risk” high school dropouts ages 16-18 complete their education and receive a G.E.D. or high school diploma. Many continue into higher education, while others return to their hometowns with marketable skills, or join the military.
ATLANTA, January 26, 2015 – Cadets of the Georgia National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program served as House and Senate pages during National Guard Day activities at the state capitol.
(Georgia Department of Defense photo by Staff Sgt. Tracy J. Smith / Released)
FORT GORDON, Ga., March 8, 2011 - State Rep. Barbara Massey Reece (right) poses with Matthew Humphrey, a Chattooga County constituent who graduated from the National Guard-sponsored Youth ChalleNGe Academy (YCA) on March 5, 2011. Humphrey is a member of the largest class ever to graduate from Georgia’s YCA – the same class which graduated the program’s 10,000th graduate.
The 13-year-old YCA program is an all volunteer, 22-week, military-styled youth program that emphasizes academic completion, life skills development and physical fitness. Reece, a retired teacher of 30 years, says that she strongly supports YCA because she has witnessed the progress the program makes in the lives of at-risk children in such a short period of time.
Humphrey said of his YCA experience, “It’s been a long five months, but it was worth it.” His future plans are to enlist in the Air Force following his 17th birthday.
(Photo by Spc. Denis Durbin-Carlton, Georgia Army National Guard)
MACON, Ga., Dec. 18, 2010 – State Rep. John Yates (center) poses with Henry and Spaulding County youth who are among the 211 cadets of Class 35 to graduate the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy program.
Ceremonies for the graduation took place at Macon City Auditorium before a capacity crowd made up of more than 300 family members, friends, instructors and Georgia National Guard and Georgia State Defense Force officials. For 22-weeks, Class 35 participated in scholastic, life and education classes, and physical and paramilitary training on the campus at the Guard Garrison Training Center in Hinesville.
(Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Joyelle Torns)
FORT GORDON, Augusta, Ga., July 6, 2012 - Georgia State Representatives spent the day with officials of the Georgia National Guard touring the Youth ChalleNGe Academy here at Fort Gordon, meeting the YCA cadets, and speaking with YCA instructors about the program's curriculum. The visit was part of a Georgia Department of Defense outreach program aimed at increasing community leader understanding about the YCA program and the positive impact it has on local communities within the state.
Stephanie Martinez, a candidate in Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy's Class 22 Firehawks Platoon, traverses a pathway made of logs while working her way up a rope tower, July 19, 2018, at the Orange County Ropes Course in Anaheim, California. The ropes course gives candidates an opportunity to push themselves both mentally and physically, build confidence and start working as a team while still in the acclimation phase of the challenge program. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)
CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, Marietta, Nov. 12, 2010 – Georgia Army Guard private and 2009 National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy (YCA) graduate Tyler Stanford (left) receives the Adjutant General’s challenge coin from Maj. Gen. William T. Nesbitt, Georgia’s Adjutant General, during a meeting between the two in General Nesbitt’s office.
Stanford, who lives in Marietta, completed infantry basic training in May of this year at Fort Benning in Columbus.
“The military life-style we lived at YCA gave me structure, purpose and a better sense of discipline and direction,” Stanford said. “I knew from the beginning that I wanted to serve, and that I wanted to be
an infantryman.”
Stanford added that it was a great honor for him to meet and speak with a Soldier of General Nesbitt’s background and experience, especially since the Georgia National Guard's top leader is a member of Special Forces.
“The honor is all mine,” Nesbitt said. “It’s a great privilege to shake hands with one of the thousands of youth who have gone to YCA looking to better themselves and come out the other side a more responsible, more focused young adult.”
Stanford was a 16-year-old junior at Lassiter High School when he was accepted to the YCA campus at the Georgia Guard Garrison Training Center in Hinesville.
“I was heading in the wrong direction with my life, and I needed more focus, so I applied and was accepted into the program,” Stanford said. “Now I work two jobs and I’m hoping to go to school and get a degree in criminal justice.”
As a Citizen-Soldier, Stanford is a scout with the 3rd Squadron, 108th Cavalry, an Atlanta-based long-range surveillance unit. When not in uniform, he works as a sales associate for Kohl’s Department Store in Roswell and as a server for O’Charlies Restaurant in Marietta. His parents, Bruce and Lindsey Stanford, are Marietta residents.
(Georgia Department of Defense photo by Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry)
FORT GORDON, Augusta, Ga., July 6, 2012 - Georgia State Representatives spent the day with officials of the Georgia National Guard touring the Youth ChalleNGe Academy here at Fort Gordon, meeting the YCA cadets, and speaking with YCA instructors about the program's curriculum. The visit was part of a Georgia Department of Defense outreach program aimed at increasing community leader understanding about the YCA program and the positive impact it has on local communities within the state.
FORT GORDON, Augusta, Ga., July 6, 2012 - Georgia State Representatives spent the day with officials of the Georgia National Guard touring the Youth ChalleNGe Academy here at Fort Gordon, meeting the YCA cadets, and speaking with YCA instructors about the program's curriculum. The visit was part of a Georgia Department of Defense outreach program aimed at increasing community leader understanding about the YCA program and the positive impact it has on local communities within the state.
YCA Cadet Pfc. Lester Finnely (left) receives instruction for doing his best “touch down dance” from Atlanta Falcons player No. 82 Joe Zelenka.
FORT GORDON, Augusta, Ga., July 6, 2012 - Georgia State Representatives spent the day with officials of the Georgia National Guard touring the Youth ChalleNGe Academy here at Fort Gordon, meeting the YCA cadets, and speaking with YCA instructors about the program's curriculum. The visit was part of a Georgia Department of Defense outreach program aimed at increasing community leader understanding about the YCA program and the positive impact it has on local communities within the state.
FORT GORDON, Augusta, Ga., July 6, 2012 - Georgia State Representatives spent the day with officials of the Georgia National Guard touring the Youth ChalleNGe Academy here at Fort Gordon, meeting the YCA cadets, and speaking with YCA instructors about the program's curriculum. The visit was part of a Georgia Department of Defense outreach program aimed at increasing community leader understanding about the YCA program and the positive impact it has on local communities within the state.
The Post ChalleNGe program conducted a graduation ceremony at the Aiken Technical College in Graniteville, South Carolina, Dec. 6, 2018, after the cadets completed the 20-week program that began in July. The Post ChalleNGe program is a collaborative effort between the South Carolina National Guard, Aiken Technical College, Clemson University's Youth Learning Institute Camp Long facility, Lower Savannah Council of Governments' Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and Aiken County Public School District. The program is a 20-week extension to the Youth ChalleNGe Academy. Cadets selected for the Post ChalleNGe program have an opportunity to earn applied science certificates from Aiken Technical College in a high demand field. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Jessica Donnelly, South Carolina National Guard)
FORT GORDON, Augusta, Ga., July 6, 2012 - Georgia State Representatives spent the day with officials of the Georgia National Guard touring the Youth ChalleNGe Academy here at Fort Gordon, meeting the YCA cadets, and speaking with YCA instructors about the program's curriculum. The visit was part of a Georgia Department of Defense outreach program aimed at increasing community leader understanding about the YCA program and the positive impact it has on local communities within the state.
FORT GORDON, Augusta, Ga., July 6, 2012 - Georgia State Representatives spent the day with officials of the Georgia National Guard touring the Youth ChalleNGe Academy here at Fort Gordon, meeting the YCA cadets, and speaking with YCA instructors about the program's curriculum. The visit was part of a Georgia Department of Defense outreach program aimed at increasing community leader understanding about the YCA program and the positive impact it has on local communities within the state.
Youth ChalleNGe cadet Irina Weston of Peachtree City works with "A Backpack Journalist" instructor Adam Crowell to write a song. Weston is originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, and chose to write her song half in Russian and half in English.
(Photo by Spc. Ashley Fontenot, Public Affairs Office, Georgia Department of Defense)
Major General Thomas Carden Jr., Adjutant General, Georgia National Guard, sat down with reporters from the AJC and WSB-TV during an interview at the Clay National Guard Center on March 13, 2020.
General Carden used the opportunity to exercise transparency and address reporters’ questions regarding the state's Youth ChalleNGe Program, which provides a second chance for at-risk youth in education, leadership, character development, and life coping skills.
The program graduated nearly 18,000 at-risk youth in 26 years of operation.
(U.S. Army photo by First Sgt. Gerard Brown)
After a day of perfecting her song “Crazy,” Youth ChalleNGe cadet Ashley Vincent of Decatur uses "A Backpack Journalist's" equipment to record her work of art.
(Photo by Spc. Ashley Fontenot, Public Affairs Office, Georgia Department of Defense)
Mrs. Lalona Richards, 2010 Mrs. Georgia, spent the afternoon visiting with Cadets from the Ft. Stewart, Georgia Youth Challenge program. Mrs. Georgia’s addressed the cadets about the importance of living out their dreams and working hard to make them happen.
On May 31, I witnessed these fine young cadets graduate from somewhat troubled youth to motivated young men and women with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens. During this unique period in our history, life everywhere has taken on a surreal quality in the face of the uncertainness of it all. Amidst this backdrop, Hawaii Youth Challenge Academy Oahu was the only school in the state that remained open during the COVID 19 pandemic and also wasn't confined to a virtual graduation. Because the cadets live and train together during the 5 1/2 month residential program, there was no need to social distance in this graduate-only celebration. Parents and families waited outside the perimeter of the Academy for their graduate to join them and be celebrated.
For those unfamiliar, the Hawai‘i Youth CHalleNGe Academy provides 16 to 18-year-old “at-promise youth” a second chance to obtain their high school diploma. This program has turned thousands of lives around for the better. For each class, graduating cadets receive an Honorary Certificate from the State Senate. I also present a $500 scholarship from me, awarded to an outstanding cadet, in the Kalaeloa and Hilo campuses. This year, YCA lost funding in our recently passed budget. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure this awesome program continues. Hawai`i needs YCA! Perhaps the shortest keynote speech and had to throw in a little song...😉 Imua Class52!
#YouthChallengeAcademy
#AtPromiseYouth
#HawaiiNationalGuardYouthChallengeAcademy
#TakeTheChallenge
#DreamBelieveAchieve
#HawaiiNewsNow
FORT GORDON, Augusta, Ga., July 6, 2012 - Georgia State Representatives spent the day with officials of the Georgia National Guard touring the Youth ChalleNGe Academy here at Fort Gordon, meeting the YCA cadets, and speaking with YCA instructors about the program's curriculum. The visit was part of a Georgia Department of Defense outreach program aimed at increasing community leader understanding about the YCA program and the positive impact it has on local communities within the state.
FORT GORDON, Augusta, Ga., July 6, 2012 - Georgia State Representatives spent the day with officials of the Georgia National Guard touring the Youth ChalleNGe Academy here at Fort Gordon, meeting the YCA cadets, and speaking with YCA instructors about the program's curriculum. The visit was part of a Georgia Department of Defense outreach program aimed at increasing community leader understanding about the YCA program and the positive impact it has on local communities within the state.
Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy's Class 22 candidate Melissa Morlet, of Firehawks Platoon, zooms past on a zip line, July 19, 2018, at the Orange County Ropes Course in Anaheim, California. The ropes course gives candidates an opportunity to push themselves both mentally and physically, build confidence and start working as a team while still in the acclimation phase of the challenge program. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)
On May 31, I witnessed these fine young cadets graduate from somewhat troubled youth to motivated young men and women with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens. During this unique period in our history, life everywhere has taken on a surreal quality in the face of the uncertainness of it all. Amidst this backdrop, Hawaii Youth Challenge Academy Oahu was the only school in the state that remained open during the COVID 19 pandemic and also wasn't confined to a virtual graduation. Because the cadets live and train together during the 5 1/2 month residential program, there was no need to social distance in this graduate-only celebration. Parents and families waited outside the perimeter of the Academy for their graduate to join them and be celebrated.
For those unfamiliar, the Hawai‘i Youth CHalleNGe Academy provides 16 to 18-year-old “at-promise youth” a second chance to obtain their high school diploma. This program has turned thousands of lives around for the better. For each class, graduating cadets receive an Honorary Certificate from the State Senate. I also present a $500 scholarship from me, awarded to an outstanding cadet, in the Kalaeloa and Hilo campuses. This year, YCA lost funding in our recently passed budget. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure this awesome program continues. Hawai`i needs YCA! Perhaps the shortest keynote speech and had to throw in a little song...😉 Imua Class52!
#YouthChallengeAcademy
#AtPromiseYouth
#HawaiiNationalGuardYouthChallengeAcademy
#TakeTheChallenge
#DreamBelieveAchieve
#HawaiiNewsNow
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga., October 12, 2016 - Georgia's First Lady Sandra Deal accompanied by The Adjutant General and members of the Youth Challenge Academy program cut the ribbon officially opening the newest Youth Challenge Academy in Milledgeville.Photo by Georgia National Guard Sgt. Shye Stallings
MACON, Ga., Dec. 18, 2010 – State Representative and Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Ben Harbin (center) poses with a group of Columbia County youth who are among the 211 cadets of Class 35 to graduate the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy program.
Ceremonies for the graduation took place at Macon City Auditorium before a capacity crowd made up of more than 300 family members, friends, instructors and Georgia National Guard and Georgia State Defense Force officials. For 22-weeks, Class 35 participated in scholastic, life and education classes, and physical and paramilitary training on the campus at the Guard Garrison Training Center in Hinesville.
(Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Joyelle Torns)
Candidates in Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy's Class 22 Firehawks Platoon work their way through an intricate system of rope obstacles while ascending to a zip line finish, July 19, 2018, at the Orange County Ropes Course in Anaheim, California. The ropes course gives candidates an opportunity to push themselves both mentally and physically, build confidence and start working as a team while still in the acclimation phase of the challenge program. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)
Candidates in Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy's Class 22 Firehawks Platoon work their way through an intricate system of rope obstacles while ascending to a zip line finish, July 19, 2018, at the Orange County Ropes Course in Anaheim, California. The ropes course gives candidates an opportunity to push themselves both mentally and physically, build confidence and start working as a team while still in the acclimation phase of the challenge program. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)
From the left: YCA cadet privates first class Jordan Pravy, Deangelo Jeffries, Semaje Carey and Ernests Snowden speak with State Rep. Barbara Massey Reece (Dist. 11-Menlo) out on the campus confidence course.
(Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry, Public Affairs Office, Georgia Department of Defense)
Pam Younkers, Honorary Commanders Association Chair, repels down a 50-foot wall during the group’s visit to the Youth Challenge Academy at Ft. Gordon.
State Rep. Ben Harbin addresses the 211 graduating YCA cadets of Class 35 and the hundreds of families and friends who came to watch the proceedings.
A Youth Challenge cadet explains the various awards and ribbons displayed on her uniform to Honorary Commander visitors during lunch.
I spoke with a group of Youth Challenge Academy cadets from Class 48, during their tour of the Capitol on April 17th. It was the 4th of 5 groups I'll speak with this session when they visit the Capitol. Class 48 started out with 105 cadets and there are now 97 cadets in this class. I speak every year to the whole class right before they graduate, and made them promise they'd be there for that... I let the cadets know how much I believe in this program and am proud of their commitment to see it through to the end. The military has a special place in my life – especially YCA in Kalaeloa (formerly Barber Point NAS). I told the cadets that I live just down the street, and I have the distinct pleasure of hearing their bugle blasting at reveille very early each morning.
The mission of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of 16-18 year old high school dropouts, producing program graduates with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens. In just 5 ½ months, these at-risk teens get a second chance to obtain their GED diploma, while learning important life skills. It's not easy, and many don't make it through to the end. But many of the cadets do, and even continue their education after graduation. Some choose to join the military or enter the workforce. Read through some of the comments left by cadets on the Hawaii Youth Challenge Academy Oahu Facebook page. Their stories tell it all. Hawai’i’s YCA program has been recognized as one of the nation’s most effective for at-risk teens, and its value never ceases to amaze me. The YCA has been changing the lives of young men and women since 1998, leaving a positive mark on the Hawaiian community that will last for years to come. Keep up the good work cadets and see you at graduation in June. #changinglives #hawaiistrong #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #OURfuture #youthchallengeacademy #hawaiinationalguard
Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy's Class 22 candidate Xitlalli Vazquez, right, coaches classmate Sheyla Suazo, left, across a tightrope, during the Firehawks Platoon's visit to the Orange County Ropes Course, in Anaheim, California, July 19, 2018. The ropes course gives candidates an opportunity to push themselves both mentally and physically, build confidence and start working as a team while still in the acclimation phase of the challenge program. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)
Candidates in Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy's Class 22 Firehawks Platoon work their way through an intricate system of rope obstacles while ascending to a zip line finish, July 19, 2018, at the Orange County Ropes Course in Anaheim, California. The ropes course gives candidates an opportunity to push themselves both mentally and physically, build confidence and start working as a team while still in the acclimation phase of the challenge program. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)
The Post ChalleNGe program conducted a graduation ceremony at the Aiken Technical College in Graniteville, South Carolina, Dec. 6, 2018, after the cadets completed the 20-week program that began in July. The Post ChalleNGe program is a collaborative effort between the South Carolina National Guard, Aiken Technical College, Clemson University's Youth Learning Institute Camp Long facility, Lower Savannah Council of Governments' Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and Aiken County Public School District. The program is a 20-week extension to the Youth ChalleNGe Academy. Cadets selected for the Post ChalleNGe program have an opportunity to earn applied science certificates from Aiken Technical College in a high demand field. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Jessica Donnelly, South Carolina National Guard)
Layla Harrington, a candidate in Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy's Class 22 Firehawks Platoon, looks up at the rope ladder and climbing wall that will start her ascent of a rope tower, July 19, 2018, at the Orange County Ropes Course in Anaheim, California. The ropes course gives candidates an opportunity to push themselves both mentally and physically, build confidence and start working as a team while still in the acclimation phase of the challenge program. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)
Candidates in Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy's Class 22 Firehawks Platoon gather for a group photo to show off their new-found strength after ascending a rope tower with a zip line finish, July 19, 2018, at the Orange County Ropes Course in Anaheim, California. The ropes course gives candidates an opportunity to push themselves both mentally and physically, build confidence and start working as a team while still in the acclimation phase of the challenge program. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)
Candidates in Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy's Class 22 Firehawks Platoon work their way through an intricate system of rope obstacles while ascending to a zip line finish, July 19, 2018, at the Orange County Ropes Course in Anaheim, California. The ropes course gives candidates an opportunity to push themselves both mentally and physically, build confidence and start working as a team while still in the acclimation phase of the challenge program. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)
State Rep. Ben Harbin (left) congratulates Cadet Sgt. Ethan Turner, who was selected as the distinguished military graduate of Youth ChalleNGe Academy Class 35.
Layla Harrington, a candidate in Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy's Class 22 Firehawks Platoon, climbs a rope ladder, July 19, 2018, to start her ascent of the Orange County Ropes Course in Anaheim, California. The ropes course gives candidates an opportunity to push themselves both mentally and physically, build confidence and start working as a team while still in the acclimation phase of the challenge program. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)
Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy Class 22 candidate Logomua Quiroga, of Firehawks Platoon, zooms past on while riding the zip line finish down from a rope tower, July 19, 2018, at the Orange County Ropes Course in Anaheim, California. The ropes course gives candidates an opportunity to push themselves both mentally and physically, build confidence and start working as a team while still in the acclimation phase of the challenge program. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)
State Rep. Caroll Fulerton (Dist. 151-Albany) talks with Youth ChalleNGe Cadet Pfc. Kendriana Burks of Albany about Burks’ decision to apply to the YCA program.
(Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry, Public Affairs Office, Georgia Department of Defense)
April Chavez, a candidate in Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy's Class 22 Firehawks Platoon, walks across a wooden plank, July 19, 2018, at the Orange County Ropes Course in Anaheim, California. The ropes course gives candidates an opportunity to push themselves both mentally and physically, build confidence and start working as a team while still in the acclimation phase of the challenge program. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)