I am a social worker in a neighboring county and have worked closely with the Challenge Academy for the last 10 years. I have helped 14 kids apply and attend the Academy, 12 have graduated in the last six years. I cannot emphasize enough how amazing this program is for at risk teens. The teens I have worked with have anger issues, drug and alcohol issues, trouble with authority, motivation, have been involved in the legal system, been habitual truant, or have completely dropped out of school. The program runs twice per year, and lasts 5 1/2 months. During the time at Challenge the Cadets work on the 8 core components: Academics, Job Skills, Physical Fitness, Health/Nutrition, Life Skills, Character Development, Leadership, and Service to Community. The Academy graduates on average 100 teens per session. 87% of Challenge students earn their HSED during the program or immediatly after. 70% of students who complete the program of either enrolled in a Tech school, employed full time or have entered the military after graduation.
I encourage parents, teens, school teachers, or ANYONE who knows a teen in need of structure, discipline, and a high school education to contact Challenge Academy Admissions to get further information. As a person with direct experience, I would be willing to communicate with you as well. Missing from the article is the website for Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy: www.challengeacademy.org. The phone number for the admissions department is 608-269-4605.