What ages do you accept?
Applicants must be between 16 and 19 years of age on the start date. 19 year old applicants cannot turn 20 on or before class graduation.
Is there a cost to the cadet?
Parents are not required to pay tuition or other costs associated with the program. The course is free to those accepted; however some clothing items may have to be purchased.
Do we have to buy any clothing?
Most of the clothing that you will need is provided to you; however, you do need to bring a pair of good athletic shoes. Cross-trainers are the best. You will want to wear them prior to coming to the program to "break them in" so that there is less chance of chaffing and blistering. They will be used everyday, especially in the first two weeks of the Program, when they will be your primary shoes.
What is the duration of the course?
The entire course is 17 months in duration and broken down into two main phases. The resident phase in Guernsey is 22 weeks long with two long weekend breaks. Upon graduation from the resident phase, Cadets enter a 12-month Post-Residential Phase monitored and supported by a mentor trained by Wyoming Youth ChalleNGe staff.
When can I visit my cadet?
No visitation is allowed during the first two weeks. You may also visit your cadet on Parent's Day and Family Day. An announcement about the day and schedule will be sent to you.
What if my doctor has me taking medications, may I still attend?
Yes, medications directed by a physician, prescription and over-the-counter, must have a physician's written order to be used while attending the Program. All medications are secured. Medications do not prohibit you from attending the Program.
How are the youth in the program chosen?
They are recruited through various means, or referred by, their high school principals, counselors, truancy officers, recruiters, parents, and even themselves. Those who volunteer for the program are then screened for academic potential and the desire to accept the challenge of a military style program for completion of their high school education.
What is the profile of a class?
They are all volunteers for the program, have no felony convictions and are non-smokers and drug free at time of entry to the program. Most have not completed 10th or 11th grades and yet 25-30% test out academically at 11th or 12th grade level using the Adult Basic Education Survey (TABE). They come from all over the state of Wyoming and a full range of family backgrounds, from those blessed with affluence to those in economic hardship; to those in supportive families to those in unfortunate family situations.
What does the Wyoming Youth ChalleNGe Program offer the Cadets?
It offers a safe haven, physical training and educational environment free from the distractions of today's teenage world and the influences of contemporaries who are not yet ready to become resources to their families and communities.
Can I get my GED while at the program?
Yes. The Wyoming Youth ChalleNGe Program is a State of Wyoming Nationally approved GED Test Site.
How many hours of school a day?
You will be in Academic classes a minimum of 5 hours a day.
What type of courses do I take?
All basic core classes including Math, Science, Social Studies and Language Arts classes.
Do I go to school five days a week?
Yes
Can I enroll in College with a GED?
With a GED you have the ability to enroll in Community College. The majority of four year colleges will accept students on a junior basis if they have a two year degree from a community college.
How is the Wyoming Youth ChalleNGe Program funded?
It is funded with federal dollars provided through the Department of Defense, National Guard Bureau, and matching funds from the Wyoming Legislature. And, funds may also be received from interested foundations.
When does the next class start?
The first class of the Wyoming Youth ChalleNGe Program is scheduled for July 14, 2007.
Will I notice a change in my child?
Many parents report positive changes in their Cadet upon graduation and others have reported positive changes as early as the first pass.