How long is the course of study
5 1/2 months (22 weeks) in residence and 12 months in the post-residential phase, a total of 17 and a half months.
How old do you have to be?
Arizona Project ChalleNGe is for 16-19 year olds. You must turn 16 years old within the first two weeks of Pre-ChalleNGe. (You cannot turn 20 while you’re at Project ChalleNGe.)
How much does the program cost?
NO CHARGE!! Tuition, room and board, books, meals, and uniforms are provided at NO-COST to the family. There are Pre-ChalleNGe items that the family must provide the Cadet with, prior to coming to the program. A list of items are sent out with the “Intent to Attend” Invitation.
Can I make my child attend
No. Arizona Project ChalleNGe is strictly a voluntary program. Your child must have a desire to attend. We are not a placement facility and attending the program can not be court ordered or part of a probation contract. Cadets that have been on probation must have a letter from the appointed court stating the Cadet is no longer on probation.
Do I have to have a mentor?
Yes. All cadets must have a mentor. The mentor must be over 24 years of age, the same sex as the cadet, and live in close proximity of the Cadet. A completed mentor application must accompany the Cadet’s application for enrollment. All prospective mentors must have a criminal background check once the student has been accepted.
What if my child is on Probation?
In order to be accepted into Arizona Project ChalleNGe a child cannot be on probation. In the instance that a child has been on probation in the past, a Court Document verifying that the child is no longer on probation, parole or convicted of any felonies must be included with the application packet.
My child is on medication....how is that handled?
Our medical staff hold all of the medications in a locked facility and hand them out as prescribed.
How can I get ready for the physical part of the Academy?
Start slowly......don't overdo the exercise at first. You will want to start walking and then jog for a little bit. Every week go a little bit further. Start doing a few sit-ups and push-ups a day and add a few as you feel stronger. Don't risk an injury by over exercising.
What will I be eating at
We have a cafeteria style dining facility. Meals are nutritional, tasty, and filling. We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. Milk and juices are offered with meals. Snacks are provided as needed.
Can I come and visit my cadet?
We have at least one scheduled "Family Day" where the family can come and visit. Mentors are allowed onsite visits with their Mentee, once the training for the
Can the Cadet write or receive mail?
Yes, your Cadet can write and receive mail while at Arizona Project ChalleNGe. Families are encouraged to make contact, through mail, as often as possible. The Cadets are also encouraged to write home.
What is the mailing address to send mail to my cadet?
The mailing address is:
Arizona Project ChalleNGe
Cadet ( First - Last Name)
Platoon (Name or Number)
20395 E. Rittenhouse Rd.
Should other family and friends send mail to Cadets?
Yes, we encourage all family members and friends to write to their cadet. Receiving letters from home is very important to the cadets.
What can I send to my Child?
Items permitted through mail are the following:magazines, books, stamps, bibles, photos and letters. The Phase the Cadet determined what will happen to the items that are sent to the Cadet. During Phase 2, anything sent goes into a “general” pool that all Cadets can review; however, during Phase 3, anything sent to the Cadet is kept by that Cadet.
Can I send cookies or other food items to my Child?
No, according to The Cadet Handbook, Cadets are not permitted to receive food items.
What can’t I send to my Child?
Guns, knives, tobacco, drugs, alcohol, pornography (review all magazines), food, candy, drinks, gum and clothing. If you have a question about an item you’re thinking about sending, please call the RPM department at 480.988.4100 x228
When can I talk to my child?
During Pre-ChalleNGe, there is no contact with family by phone. If you need to get a hold of your child, you must first address that concern with his/her assigned counselor. A weekly 2-3 minute phone call will begin around week 3. During the weekly phone call, Cadets are only allowed to contact family members.
How can I support Project ChalleNGe?
The best way to help the academy is to write your local political figures (Congressperson, State Senator, or Assemblyman) and tell them you support what Project ChalleNGe does. Get your community involved and educated. Spend time hanging up flyers of Arizona Project ChalleNGe, go to your local school and education them on how to work with at risk youth, write a letter to your local paper and let them know the healthy changes you’ve seen in your child.
Do I need to take a tour?
It is not mandatory for acceptance but we recommend it if at all possible. Tours are held, by appointment only, through out the week from 11:30am until 12:30pm (starting about 4 weeks after the beginning of the current class) and again from 3:30pm until 6pm. All tour typically last 45 minute to an hour. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to bring any and all completed application paperwork, so that the process can begin. To schedule an appointment please call the RPM department at 480.988.4100x228.
Is Arizona Project ChalleNGe a school?
Project ChalleNGe is NOT a school; however, we are happy to announce that we are now partnered with, accreditted, Sequoia Choice Online Charter School. Each child will be assessed to determine what the best educational route is for them, whether that be high school credits or taking the GED. We are co-educational and consists of a five-month “quasi-military” Residential Phase and a one-year Post-Residential Phase. Applicants must be volunteers between the ages of 16 and 19 years of age, not in trouble with the law, drug free, unemployed and high school dropout.