• Are you between the ages of 16 to 18?
• Are you having trouble in school?
• Do you have the desire to change your life and don't know how to?

The Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy may be for you!

What is the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy?

The Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy is designed to give academically challenged teens a second chance at obtaining their basic education. High School Diplomas are available for those who qualify under the Option 1 Pathway. 

MISSION:
The mission of the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy is to train and mentor selected at-risk youth to become contributing members of society using the 8 Core Components in a quasi-military environment during a 22-week residential and one year Post-Residential follow-up program.

STRUCTURE: 
The Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy uses 8 Core Components in a quasi-military environment during the 22-week residential and one year post-residential phases of the program.  Quasi-military is a term used to describe the program because it resembles military training.   Our structured environment includes many aspects related to military training such as paying attention to detail, respect, self-discipline and a chain of command.

HISTORY:   
During the late 1980's, the Rockefeller Foundation identified the need in our country to provide opportunities for young people working to overcome problems in their lives that include educationally at-risk teens.   In 1991 the Joint Armed Services Committee directed the National Guard to develop a plan to "add value to America" by providing values, skills, education and self-discipline to young people incorporating the structure and esprit de corps found in the military model.  The National Youth ChalleNGe program began operating in 1993 under Public Law 102-484.  West Virginia is proud to be one of the original programs.