The basic eligibility qualifications for acceptance into the program include the following participant criteria:
* Must be at least 16 years old at the Start Date of the cycle and cannot have reached their 20th birthday by the Graduation Date of the Residential Phase
* Must be a school dropout or at risk of dropping out
* Must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States and a resident of New Mexico
* Must be unemployed or underemployed
* Must not be under any indictment, have charges pending, or convicted of a felony
* Must be drug-free upon entering the program
* Must enter the program voluntarily

A mandatory drug screen will be conducted on opening day. 
Applicants may not enter the Pre-ChalleNGe Phase if they test positive for the presence of illegal drugs.