Grizzly Youth Academy

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 January 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.

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.

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.


Apply Now! Download the application at: http://ngycp.org/site/state/ca/node/15131