Activities & Training
TYA is functionally organized into four departments. Each department and its key function is listed below.
Operations Department
The Operations Department (Ops) is responsible for the control and accountability of all cadets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They ensure the health and well-being of cadets and are responsible for implementing 3 of the 8 core curriculum components: service to community, leadership/followership development and physical fitness. Operations is manned by specially trained staff that provide a controlled environment allowing other departments to be effective within their areas of expertise.
Education Department
The Education Department is responsible for the execution of 5 of the 8 core curriculum components: health, sex and nutrition education, academic excellence, responsible citizenship, job skills and life coping skills. The department manages the academic process with the goal of significantly improving the academic level of every cadet, helping qualified cadets obtain a GED or initiate the college experience. This department also seeks to improve the sociability and functional ability of cadets through extensive non-traditional life skills training. A job-shadowing program provides selected cadets with a large range of skills from interview experience to on-the-job training. The department is staffed with specially selected, Oklahoma certified instructors.
Counseling Department
All core curriculum components are addressed through group and individual counseling. Emphasis is placed on moral decision making, character development, conflict resolution, and anger management. Twelve-step programs are available for cadets as needed.
The Counseling Department also assists cadets with post-residential college, employment and military planning. During the residential phase the cadets complete a Post Residential Action Plan (PRAP) . A PRAP is a dynamic written plan developed by the cadet with assistance from the Career Counselor, Cadre and Teachers through an integrated process, which builds a bridge to the future. The cadets begin the important process of post-residential planning during week 3 of the residential phase.
Recruitment, Placement & Mentor Department
The Recruitment, Placement & Mentor (RPM) Department is responsible for ensuring that adequate numbers of candidates enter each class cycle, maintain an ongoing public awareness campaign, and manage the entire 12 month Post-Residential Phase that includes mentoring, continuing education and employment placement programs. Upon request, staff members from the RPM department may visit and/or speak at your location.
Daily Training Schedule (DTS)
The Daily Training Schedule (DTS) is our tool to maintain accountability and structure for each day. The samples below show what cadets will accomplish during an average day at the Academy.
ChalleNGe Phases
- Pre-ChalleNGe: Weeks 1-2
- Residential Phase I: Weeks 3-6
- Residential Phase II: Weeks 7-11
- Residential Phase III: Weeks 12-20
- Residential Phase IV: Weeks 21-22
- Post-Residential Phase - 12 Months
Pre-ChalleNGe: Weeks 1-2
During this phase each student is challenged physically and mentally by a curriculum designed to familiarize the youth with the ChalleNGe program. A boot-camp environment is adopted to help cadets focus on the program`s emphasis on discipline and physical challenges. Cadets who complete this phase have a very good chance of graduating from the program. Cadets who successfully complete Pre-ChalleNGe will have demonstrated a desire and potential to meet the rigorous program requirements.
Residential Phase I: Orientation - Weeks 3-6
This period marks the beginning of building competency within the 8 core components. Education classes begin, counseling sessions start and career interviews are held. During this phase, cadets are assigned their mentors and begin building the relationships that will sustain them throughout the next year and a half. This phase introduces cadets to increasing levels of structure & discipline, leadership/followership, Drill & Ceremony, inspections, physical fitness training & community service projects. The only outside form of communication allowed during this phase is letter writing. This phase includes a Phase I ceremony, an open house and the cadet's first overnight leave.
Residential Phase II: Production Weeks 7-11
GED classes start in this phase. Field trips, church services and career day also occur during this time. College bound cadets prepare to take the GED. Mentors become more involved in the lives of cadets at TYA, and a mentor appreciation day is held. The Cadet chain of command begins and has increasing emphasis on leadership of the cadet corps.
Residential Phase III: Evaluation Weeks 12-20
College-bound cadets begin and complete their college courses during this phase. Cadets who pass the 2nd GED test given enter the Academy`s job shadowing program. Those not participating in the job shadowing program, or taking college classes continue with classes and GED tutoring. The 3rd GED is administered during week 20 of the cycle. Cadets are evaluated against the eight core components. The career and life plan process are finalized and all elements prepared for graduation.
Residential Phase IV: Transition Weeks 21-22
Life plans and goals are reviewed, supply issues are cleared and stipend disbursements prepared. An outdoor adventure is planned the week before graduation. All outgoing tests are administered during the last week of the cycle. Cadets and mentors are briefed about all requirements and receive packets at graduation outlining mentor/mentee responsibilities. Graduation takes place on Saturday of the 22nd week.
Post-Residential Phase - 12 Months
After graduation the cadets return to their respective home environments and begin the post -residential phase of the program with the assistance of their mentors. Cadets and mentors are to meet four times a month, review the graduate's life plan and ensure the graduate remains a productive citizen in society. The mentors and graduates are required to submit monthly reports illustrating the path the graduate is continuing to embark upon.
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