YOUR FUTURE BEGINS HERE.....
GRIZZLY YOUTH ACADEMY
Now accepting applications for the July 2012 class. See the tour schedule under HOW TO APPLY and plan ahead. Everyone who lives within 6 hours is required to attend a tour or presentation. Deadline for applications is June 4th.
Call 1-800-926-0643 or email SGT Natalie Jardine at: natalie.jardine@us.army.mil for details or to RSVP.
Are you a high school
drop-out or at risk of not graduating because you are WAY behind in credits or always truant....or expelled??
This is a FREE program paid for by State and Federal funds to help YOU jump start your education and move on to a successful future. You won't regret your decision.
If you are 16 to 18 years of age, and want to make a change in your life, this program is for you. Be a part of this great FREE program. Change your life... and be proud of yourself.
For information regarding YOUR future, contact our Admissions Office at 1-800-926-0643. Get your application in ASAP! We have classes starting every January and every July.
To request an application by e-mail send a note to: natalie.jardine@us.army.mil 
We will work with you!! Be sure to check out our bulletin board to see what people REALLY think about this program.
Now About Us
The Grizzly Youth Academy is a Charter High School, run by the California National Guard and chartered through the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education. The academy is structured as a "military boarding school" to promote an academic environment that helps develop leadership, cooperation, and academic skills, while improving self esteem, pride, and confidence.
Program Overview - An Opportunity of a Lifetime
A Brief History of ChalleNGe
The National Guard`s Youth ChalleNGe Program began in 1991, when the House Joint Armed Service Committee tasked the National Guard to develop a plan to help at-risk teens and "add value to America". By providing values, skills, education, and discipline to young people using the structure and esprit de corps of the military model, the Youth ChalleNGe Program began a three year pilot program in 1993. Fifteen states participated in the pilot program, which became a permanent National Guard program in 1996. Grizzly Youth Academy joined in 1998. There are now 29 states and Puerto Rico operating 34 ChalleNGe programs throughout the nation.
Grizzly Youth Academy
Grizzly Youth Academy opened its doors in August of 1998. In Janua ry of 1999, our first graduating class (73 students) completed the residential phase of the program and walked across the stage. For many graduates, this was a life-long dream come true. Since then, twenty five classes, totaling over 3,200 cadets, have completed this rigorous program and gone on to lead successful lives.
The mission of the academy is three-fold. First, to provide a safe, structured environment that promotes academic achievement. Second, to develop leadership traits which improve self-esteem, pride, and personal confidence. Third, Grizzly Academy teaches life skills that will benefit young men and women in the adult working world (such as budgeting, personal hygiene, punctuality, teamwork, responsibility, and cooperation).
Environment
Grizzly Youth Academy is located on the beautiful central coast of California at Camp San Luis Obispo. This National Guard training base is mid-way between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The weather is moderate year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40's in the winter to the mid-80's in the summer. San Luis Obispo is accessible by Greyhound Bus Lines, AMTRAK, and several major airlines that operate regional service. 
Program Components
Grizzly Youth Academy (like all ChalleNGe programs) is divided into three phases. The "Pre-ChalleNGe" phase is a two week evaluation period to determine if prospective cadets are prepared for the rigors of the program. The "ChalleNGe" phase is a 20 week residential period of academics, physical fitness, counseling (both individual and group), life skills training, and team-building. This phase most resembles a military boarding school. Cadets live on base in military barracks, eat in the base dining facility, and attend school on the base. The third phase is the "Post-Residential" phase. This is a one year mentorship period completed in the cadet's community with the guidance and assistance of a screened, trained, and matched mentor.
Grizzly Youth Academy operates two residential classes per year. The classes begin in January and in July.
Admissions
In order to enroll in Grizzly Youth Academy, prospective cadets must meet all of the following requirements.
* Be a citizen or legal resident of the United States and resident of California.
* 16 to 18 years of age on the first day of admission.
* A high school drop-out or at risk of dropping out or seriously behind in credits.
* Drug Free: Students will be drug tested. Those who fail this test will be sent home. NO EXCEPTIONS
* No felony adjudications or felony convictions, awaiting trial, or currently in trial proceedings. We can accept those with misdemeanors.
* Physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of completing the program.
* Volunteer to come....... this is not an alternative sentencing program.
* Committed to making a change in their life.
Funding/Cost
Grizzly Youth Academy is funded primarily through the Federal government and State of California. Additional funding is obtained through grants and donations. There is no charge to the family (see FAQ's page)
Tuition, room and board, and books are provided at no cost to the family. There is a minimal clothing requirement (underwear, shoes, sweats, personal items, etc.) that must be completed by the family prior to admission.
In addition, OPTIONAL costs may occur near the completion of the residential phase of the program. These costs may include the yearbook, class ring, videos, etc. These items are strictly optional.
