The New Mexico Youth ChalleNGe Academy (located in Roswell, New Mexico) is designed to reach "at risk" youth before they become a permanent fixture in juvenile systems, adult prisons, or the welfare system.

The program consists of eight core components: Life Skills, Academic Excellence, Job Skills, Responsible Citizenship, Physical Fitness, Health & Hygiene, Leadership & Followership, and Service to the Community.

Cadets can earn a G.E.D. and up to 15-18 hours of college credit from Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell.  There is a 12-month post-residential Mentor Program following completion of the 22-week residential phase. 

Additionally, all eligible cadets can earn credits in Basic Fire Fighting Skills, First Aid-CPR, and Physical Fitness.  Cadets receive life skills training which includes: Financial Management, Health & Hygiene, Stress & Anger Management, and a variety of other contemporary education topics.

This program is FREE to all eligible 16-19 year old high school dropouts who are residents of New Mexico.

The Department of Defense, through the National Guard Bureau and the State of New Mexico, sponsor this program.  National statistics reflect the overwhelming success of the program.  Of the 85,000 ChalleNGe graduates, over 60% have received their G.E.D. and over 90% were placed in the workforce after graduation.  Of the 60% of cadets who reported involvement with the legal system prior to enrollment, only 2% of the graduates had contact with legal authorities after graduation.  There are thousands of "at risk" youth in the State of New Mexico that can benefit from this  program.  If you or someone you know can benefit from being a New Mexico Youth ChalleNGe cadet, please contact our recruiting department at 1.800.366.9098 or 575.347.2681.