Why Challenge?

BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IN SECOND CHANCES!

Director 300x296, Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy
Commonwealth Challenge Youth Academy Director CAPT Mark Chicoine (USN Ret.)
Read the Director’s Welcome Letter

 A Premier Alternative

The Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy is a premier alternative education program. We are recognized by the Virginia Department of Education and sponsored by the National Guard.  Our mission is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of 16-18 year old high school students and dropouts. Our goal is to produce academy graduates with the values, skills, education and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults. The program is designed to foster academic success & achievement (GED and credit recovery), service to community, life coping skills, leadership development, job skills, and physical fitness.

 Fostering Success and Acheivement!

Do you know a teenager who is ready to change his or her life, but is finding it hard to do? Maybe they’re a young person who is falling behind in high school, who is in danger of dropping out, or who has already called it quits?

Well, Commonwealth Challenge is here to offer a FREE second chance to help turn that young life around! We are state and federally funded. There is NO CHARGE for tuition to attend Commonwealth Challenge Youth Academy.

Don’t Wait!

Our next class starts soon!  If your teen will be between the ages of 16 – 18 on our next class start date, APPLY NOW!  Space is highly limited.  Don’t wait; GET STARTED NOW!

A Free Program

This FREE, highly structured alternative education and mentoring program is available to Virginia youth who are eligible. Candidates must be between the ages of 16-18 years old, a U.S. Citizen or legal resident, volunteer to participate in the program, and not have any pending felony charges or convictions.

Solid Academics

Cadets complete eight core components to graduate. Our program provides individualized instruction, covers five core academic subjects.  Have questions?  We have answers.

Attend an Info Meeting

And be sure to attend one of our upcoming Orientations. At the Orientations, we will help you process your child’s application to Challenge, as well as answer any questions you may have. After we have received the completed application, and review it, we will contact you with your invitation to the Pre-Processing Day.

Learn More!