ABOVE PHOTO: 19 cadets enrolled within the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy graduated from the 22-week residential section of this system on their technique to a brighter future. Pictured listed below are members of the Keystone State Problem Academy, Class 23-1. Graduates embrace: Matthew Arceo-Maddy, Logan Black, Christopher Blanchard, Jordan Care, Curtis Downes, Floyd Sinceyre, Scott Gabner, Leonardo Gonzalez, Gary Corridor, Riley Lilley, Carlito Martin, Elijah Moore, Isaac Padua, Victor Pridham, Asher Robbins, William Shaffer, Landis Smith, Emily Swarr, Jayden Vining. Annville, Pennsylvania. June 17, 2023.
On June 17, 19 cadets from the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) graduated from the 22-week residential section of this system on their technique to a brighter future.
The KSCA is designed to present challenged teenagers a second probability at acquiring their fundamental schooling and the chance to study management, self-discipline, and accountability whereas working towards ending their schooling and constructing a greater life. The cadets participated in quite a few group service occasions all through this system, together with volunteering at meals banks, helping at an occasion benefitting homeless veterans, stocking trout in lakes, and cleansing up cemetery, park, and navy ceremony grounds.
The cadets will now full a one-year mentorship section of this system all through numerous communities whereas they proceed their schooling, be part of the workforce, or enter the navy.
“In the present day we have fun the accomplishments of 19 cadets from the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy who 22 weeks in the past had an unclear future. In the present day they’re able to sort out life challenges with a brand new outlook,” mentioned Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant basic and head of the Division of Navy and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). “This commencement is just not the top of their journey, it’s the start of a brand new journey constructed on resilience and success. Congratulations to all of the cadets for working arduous and reaching the head of the academy program. You have got each purpose to face proud.”
The opening of the academy at Fort Indiantown Hole (FTIG) in Lebanon County in July 2022 formally established the Nationwide Guard Bureau’s Youth ChalleNGe Program in Pennsylvania.
This system is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who’re failing to progress in highschool or might not be on a transparent path to graduating. Candidates have to be keen to be drug free, freed from felony convictions, and voluntarily decide to this system. This system lasts for 17 months, with the primary 5 months consisting of residential coaching at FTIG adopted by one yr of mentorship again of their dwelling communities.
The KSCA is a joint effort between the DMVA and the Nationwide Guard Bureau in session with the Pennsylvania Division of Training (PDE).
“Keystone State Problem Academy cadets are able to something they set their thoughts to, and the Pennsylvania Division of Training is dedicated to supporting them all through their instructional journey,” mentioned PDE Government Deputy Secretary Angela Fitterer, who served because the graduation speaker. “The grit, tenacity, and dedication these graduates display will set themselves up for achievement sooner or later, whether or not they plan to hitch the navy, pursue increased schooling, function an apprentice, or begin their very own enterprise.”
The KSCA is now accepting functions for its subsequent class, slated to start in July.
For detailed eligibility necessities and to start the applying course of, go to our Eligibility and Admissions webpage. Should you choose to have an software mailed to you or want to speak with somebody about this program, please contact the academy by emailing: RAMVPACHALLENG[email protected], or by calling: (717) 861-7767 or (717) 861-8831.
Cadets are launched to the navy construction and concentrate on eight core elements: Educational Excellence; Bodily Health; Management/Followership; Accountable Citizenship; Job Abilities; Service to the Neighborhood; Well being and Hygiene; and Life Coping Abilities. Graduates usually obtain highschool credit, credentials, or a GED. There isn’t a tuition value to attend. Meals, housing, uniforms, and faculty provides are offered at no cost.
Because the program’s inception in 1993, greater than 200,000 younger individuals have accomplished the ChalleNGe program nationwide. This award-winning program has been acknowledged as one of many nation’s handiest and cost-efficient applications for focusing on youth who’ve dropped out of faculty or are on the biggest danger for not satisfactorily progressing, are unemployed or underemployed.
The Nationwide Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program at the moment operates 39 Youth Problem websites in 30 states and territories. This system is each federally and state funded.
Extra particulars about Pennsylvania’s KSCA could be discovered at: www.dmva.pa.gov/KeystoneStateChallengeAcademy.
