YOUR FUTURE BEGINS HERE..... 

Are you a high school drop-out or at
risk of not graduating because you are way behind in credits??

Now accepting applications for the
January 2009 Class -

Dont' miss the deadline - Application should be postmarked by Dec. 13th. 

BUT Call us if you need help.  1-800-926-0643 

We will be having a presentation in the Sacramento area on DECEMBER 11th.   It will be held at 10620 Mather Blvd. in Conference Room 1.   It starts at 6:30pm    Call for information- 1-805-574-0415 or 1-800-926-0643.  Find out more about our program and if you have an application filled out, you can turn it in at the presentation.    

 Grizzly Youth Academy 

This is a FREE program paid for by State and Federal funds to help YOU jump start your education and move on to a successful future. 

We have classes beginning every January and July- APPLY NOW!   The January class still has space, but not for long....

ATTENTION:  You won't regret your decision.....
IT'S YOUR FUTURE!!!

 Grizzly Youth Academy is now taking applications for the January 2009 class.  If you are 16,17, or 18 years of age, and want to make a change in your life, this program is for you.  Be a part of this great FREE program.  We are state and federally funded so there is no charge.  Change your life... and be proud of yourself.

Download an application today.  You can do that right on this website.  For information regarding YOUR future, contact our Admissions Office at 1-800-926-0643. Get your application in ASAP!

To request and application by e-mail sent a note to: natalie.jardine@us.army.mil or suzy.elwell@us.army.mil

We will work with you!!  Be sure to check out our bulletin board to see what people REALLY think about this program. 

Tour Dates, Application, Interviews, Acceptance

Tour Date:  Click on the link to the left.

Tour information is on the "How To Apply" page..... Take the ChalleNGe!!!!

Now About Us

The Grizzly Youth Academy is a Charter High School, run by the California National Guard and chartered through the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education. The academy is structured as a "military boarding school" to promote an academic environment that helps develop leadership, cooperation, and academic skills, while improving self esteem, pride, and confidence.

 
Program Overview - An Opportunity of a Lifetime

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 30 states operating 32 ChalleNGe programs throughout the nation.

Grizzly Youth Academy

Grizzly Youth Academy opened its doors in August of 1998. In Janua ry 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 classes, totaling over 2,400 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.

Admissions  
In order to enroll in Grizzly Youth Academy, prospective cadets must meet all of the following requirements.

*  Be a citizen or legal resident of the United States and resident of California.

*  16 to 18 years of age on the first day of admission.

*  A high school drop-out or at risk of dropping out or seriously behind in credits.

*  Drug Free:  Students will be drug tested.  Those who fail this test will be sent home.      NO EXCEPTIONS

*  No felony adjudications or felony convictions, awaiting trial, or currently in trial proceedings.   We can accept misdemeanors.

*  Physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of completing the program

*  Volunteer to come....... this is not an alternative sentencing program

*  Committed to making a change in their life.

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 (see FAQ's page)

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.