National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Project

Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy

West Virginia

The mission of the West Virginia Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy is to train and mentor selected at-risk youth to become contributing members of society using the 8 Core Components in a quasi-military environment during a 22-week residential and one year follow-up Post-Residential program.

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Program Phases

Phase One: Pre-ChalleNGe
First Two Weeks
  

The first two weeks of the program referred to as Pre-ChalleNGe is structured to orient the Cadet toward Success. During this time, the concept of "me" is replaced by "we", through training that focuses around team building, cultural diversity, physical training, and close order drill. Their time will be filled with group activities, platoon meetings, sports, and platoon competitions.

Phase Two: Residential
Back To School

Phase Two is our "Back to School" phase centering around instruction for the General Educational Development (GED) test and improvement in the 8 Core Components. Computer-assisted learning offers a non-traditional classroom setting. In addition to GED preparation, the Cadets are instructed in many other areas:
                                                                  Hunter Safety
        Leadership
        CPR
        First Aid
        Organized athletics
        Adventure training
        Service to Community


 

Phase Three: Post-Residential
After Graduation

The twelve months following graduation are referred to as the Post-Residential phase. During the residential phase, the Post-Residential Staff, which includes the Placement Coordinator and Case Managers, will work with the Cadets preparing them for their return to the community. They will train and match mentors to cadets, and cadets will participate in mentee training classes. Service to Community Projects, Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, Career Day and Military Day are just a few of the events that help round out the Program. Participation in community parades and a trip to Washington, DC make the experience complete.