ChalleNGe Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to fill out to be considered for the next class?
If I have court documents, can I still apply?
Do I have to have a mentor?
Does my son or daughter need to dis-enroll from school?
Can I make my child attend ChalleNGe Youth Academy?
Do I need to take a tour?
How can I get ready for the physical part of the Academy?
What will I be eating at Commonwealth ChalleNGe?
Can I have electronics at Commonwealth ChalleNGe?
My child is on medication....how is that handled?
Do I get to go home?
Can I come and visit my cadet?
How much does the program cost?
How old do you have to be?
How can I support the Academy?
Can I apply if i have a medical condition?

What do I need to fill out to be considered for the next class? You must complete the whole application and send it in to the ChalleNGe Program as soon as possible. All forms in the application package can be filled out by the parent and student. Certain forms must be notarized and usually can be done at a local bank or credit union that you belong to. There is an Application checklist that gives a brief summary of the items needed as well as what you need to do with certain forms. If you have questions, please refer to the checklist.

If I have court documents, can I still apply? The Commonwealth ChalleNGe will need all court documentation on any charges, pending charges, and convictions. You will need to provide documentation if the charge or conviction was/is a felony or misdemeanor offense. If it is a pending felony charge or a felony conviction, the student cannot apply. There are no exceptions. 

Do I have to have a mentor?
Yes. All cadets must have a mentor. The mentor must be over 21 years of age, the same sex as the cadet, and live in the same community. 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.   Mentor training is usually done during the applicant's In-Processing day. If the mentor cannot make the training, please call to see when you can schedule an appointment.

Does my son or daughter need to dis-enroll from school? They can still be enrolled in school and apply to the program. We tell all parents NOT to dis-enroll your son or daughter until they are accepted into the program. At that time, you will receive a letter of acceptance to turn into the school where they attended.

Can I make my child attend ChalleNGe Youth Academy?
No. ChalleNGe Youth Academy is strictly a voluntary program. Your child must have a desire to attend.   We are not a placement facility and attending the Academy cannot be court ordered or part of a probation contract.

Do I need to take a tour?
It is not mandatory for acceptance but one of our Pre-Screen Orientations is mandatory in order to attend.  For those dates, please visit the "how to apply," page for the Pre-Screen Orientation dates.

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 Commonwealth ChalleNGe?
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 twice a day. 

Can I have electronics at Commonwealth ChalleNGe?
There are no tape players, or CD players allowed until the platoons have earned the privilege.

My child is on medication....how is that handled?
Our medical staff will hold all of the medications in a locked facility and hand them out as prescribed.  

Do I get to go home?
Yes. Cadets are allowed up to three passes during the residential phase of the program. You as a parent or guardian will have to provide transportation and attend a Pass meeting.

Can I come and visit my cadet?
We have one scheduled "Family Day" where the family can come and visit.  Cadets receive up to three home passes during the residential phase. There are no other visitations during the training period besides the Family Day and the three holiday passes. Emergencies will be handled on a case by case basis.

How much does the program cost?
NO CHARGE!!  Tuition, room and board, books, meals, and uniforms are provided at NO-COST to the family.   During the final portion of the Residential Phase, there are several OPTIONAL costs that the family may incur (yearbook, pictures, class ring, etc.) These costs are OPTIONAL to the family. Cadets are required to bring personal and clothing items with them on the first day. You will receive a basic packing list upon completion of one of the Pre-Screen Orientations. For the Pre-Screen dates, please visit the "how to apply," page.  

How old do you have to be?
Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy is for 16-19 year olds. You must be at least 16 years old on the first day of attendance.    (You cannot  turn 20 while you are here.)   
 
How can I support the Academy?
The best way to help the academy is to write your local political figures (Congressperson, State Senator, or delegate) and tell them you support what the academy does.   You can also support our program by joining our Parent Association.

Can I apply if i have a medical condition?
If you have a medical condition such as a heart problem, a diabetic taking insulin shots, have seizures or epilepsy, you cannot apply.