The New Mexico Youth ChalleNGe Academy (located in Roswell, New Mexico) is designed to reach the population of "at risk" youth before they become a permanent fixture in juvenile systems, adult prisons, or the welfare system.

The youth program consists of eight core components: Life Skills, Academic Excellence, Job Skills, Civics, Physical Fitness, Health Education, Leadership, and Community Service.

Cadets can earn a G.E.D. and up to 15-18 hours of college credits from Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell, upon graduation from the academy. There is a 12-month mentor program following completion of the 22-week  residential phase.

Additionally, all eligible cadets can earn credits in Wildland Fire Fighting, First Aid-CPR, EMT, Physical Fitness, and Urban Forestation. Cadets receive life skills training which includes: Financial management, Health and Hygiene, Responsible Sex Education, Anger Management, and a variety of other contemporary education topics.

This program is free to all eligible 16-18 year old high school dropouts, who are residents of New Mexico.

The Department of Defense, through the National Guard Bureau and the State of New Mexico, sponsor this program. National statistics reflect the overwhelming success of the program. Of the 54,000 ChalleNGe graduates, over 60% have received their G.E.D. and over 90% were placed in the workforce after graduation. Of the 60% of cadets who reported involvement with the legal system prior to enrollment, only 2% of the graduates had contact with legal authorities after graduation.  There are thousands of "at risk youth" in the State of New Mexico that can benefit from this  program. If you or someone you know can benefit from being a New Mexico Youth ChalleNGe cadet contact Mr. Tom Edgett at 1.800.366.9098 or 575.347.7610.