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. There are also some OPTIONAL costs that may occur during the residential phase (i.e. Class Pictures, Yearbook, Class Rings, etc.). These costs are OPTIONAL for the family.
Can I make my child attend Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy?
No. Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy is strictly a voluntary program. Your child must have a desire to attend.
Do cadets get to go home?
Yes. Cadets are allowed up to three passes during the residential phase of the program. These passes are earned based on cadet behavior during the residential phase.
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. Mentors can arrange to visit their cadet once a background check has been done, and the mentor has attended training. Emergencies will be handled on a case by case basis.
What ages do you accept?
Applicants must be at least 16 years old and no more than 19 years old at the first day of the residential phase (the applicant cannot be 20 years old on graduation day).
Can I get my GED / High School Diploma while at the program?
Yes, but in order to earn a GED, the cadet must pass all the required GED tests and in order to earn a High School Diploma, the cadet must pass the GED and the FCAT. Attending the Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy does NOT guarantee that the cadet will earn either a GED or High School Diploma.
Do I get High School credits?
Yes, you will recieve 1/2 credit for each course you take with a minimum of 2 1/2 credits
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 Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies and Vocational 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. Most four year colleges do not accept GEDs for standard admission.
What is Mentoring?
Mentoring is the presence of a caring responsible adult who, along with the gaurdian or parent, provides support, motivation, guidance, advice and friendship in order to help a young person succeed.
What does Mentoring mean to a child?
To a child mentoring means to have a responsible, caring role model and friend to look up to. This role model can help them achieve thier goals in life.
Once I become a mentor how do I begin contact with my mentee?
Once you have passed the background investigation and have attended mentor training, you can begin writing letters to your mentee to provide support while they are here at the academy. Scheduled visits may also take place once training has been completed, visits must be authorized and mission specific
How often can I visit my mentee at the academy?
Mentors, once screened, are allowed to visit their mentee once a week. Visits must be authorized. If mentors would like to eat with their mentee, they can do so during academy hours in the dining facility. No food can be brought on campus. Visits are to be mission specific, examples are; discussing post-residential action plan, filling out job applications, assistance on resume etc.
What happens if I run into a problem with my mentee?
If a problem arises in the relationship, the Mentor is encouraged to discuss the problem with the mentee. If the problem persists, The mentor should then contact the Mentor Coordinator.
What if my help is not wanted?
It is not easy for a young person to trust an adult, it may take a long time to build trust in the mentoring relationship. you as the mentor cannot interpret caution as rejection, it is likely that the youth may not even know that they need your assistance. Patience and time is the key.
Where is Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy located?
Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy is located on the Camp Blanding National Guard Military Reservation approximately 45 miles west of St. Augustine, Florida. Click the link below for a map and directions.
FLYCA Map and Directions
Can I Tour the Academy?
Yes tours of the academy are given on a regular basis. Please look in the events section of our website for dates and call Mr. Herbert at 904-682-4032 to schedule a tour.
Where and when can I attend orientation?
Orientation schedules are listed on our website under the events section or you can contact Mr. Herbert at 904-682-4032 for information.
How can I support the Academy?
The best way to help the academy is to write your local political figures and tell them you support what the academy does. Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy does accept financial donations. This money is used for scholarships, awards, and items that we are not allowed to purchase with state funds. Checks or money orders (do not send cash) should be made out to the Florida Youth ChalleNGe Foundation. These donations will be deposited in a 501(c)3 account and are tax deductible. You can mail your donations to:
Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy
5629 State Road 16 West, Bldg 3800
Starke, FL 32091
