Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy Closure

It is with deep regret that we inform you that the Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy has permanently ceased operations and is now closed.

This difficult decision follows a broader directive by the National Guard Bureau and the Department of War as they reassess budget priorities and allocate resources to meet national defense requirements. As part of this review, several National Guard Youth ChalleNGe programs across the country were selected for closure based on multiple factors, including funding considerations, facility conditions, inspection results, staffing challenges, program performance metrics, and the availability of alternative ChalleNGe programs in neighboring states.

To our parents and families, thank you for entrusting us with your sons and daughters. To our cadets and alumni, thank you for your perseverance, resilience, and commitment to bettering yourselves. To our cadre, teachers, counselors, mentors, volunteers, and community partners, thank you for your years of dedicated service and unwavering belief in the mission of helping young people succeed.

For CCYA graduates and alumni, you can find many helpful resources in the Post-Residential Resources letter below.

Download Post-Residential Resources

For graduates who need academic records, utilize the points of contact on this webpage or in the resource letter to contact the Virginia Department of Military Affairs.