                                           Program Overview
      During the 1990's the Rockefeller Foundation identified the need in our country to provide opportunities for young people working to overcome problems in their lives which included being high school dropouts. In 1991 the Joint Armed Services Committee directed the National Guard to develop a plan to add value to America by providing value, skills, education and self-discipline to young people incorporating the structure and esprit de corps found in the military model. A five-year ChalleNGe Pilot Program began operating in ten states 1993 under Public Law 102-484 and has since been embraced by more than 35 states.
     The Maryland Freestate ChalleNGe Academy is one of the original ten states to begin a ChalleNGe Program. It is endorsed by the State of Maryland and is in a cooperative agreement between The Maryland National Guard and the National Guard Bureau. The academy is located on the Main Post of Aberdeen Proving Ground in Harford County Maryland.
The Academy is a tuition free program which offers at-risk adolescents16 to 18 years old an opportunity to change their future in many ways, culminating with the opportunity to obtain a Maryland High School Diploma. The initial program consists of a five-month residential phase during which cadets will learn self-discipline, leadership, and responsibility. Participants live and work in a controlled military environment, which encourages teamwork and personal growth. A twelve month post-residential phase consists of helping to enroll students in continued education, a technical school program, or an entry-level job. During the post-residential phase, students are assisted by a trained and matched mentor from the community for post-graduate development.

Do you meet these eligibility qualifications?

No prior Felony Convictions
Volunteer to Enroll
Be willing to comply with program rules
Be drug free upon registration.

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Click here http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070818/NEWS/708180334 to read the Freestate ChalleNGe Academy news report produced by The News Journal, Wilmington, Delaware.

Equal Opportunity

The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, does not exclude any person based upon race, color, national origin, gender or religion