Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy

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I took a week off “Roaming Mountain Home” to spend time with the staff and cadets at the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe in Pierce, Idaho.  The location for this program couldn’t be more fitting. The mountainous region is astonishing and brings a breath of fresh air in number of ways. 

For those of you that are unaware of this program, let me expand. The Youth ChalleNGe is a nationwide program established by the National Guard that gives second chances to teenagers between the ages of 16-18.  Idaho joined the ranks in 2014 to offer this program to the state and assist Idaho’s youth to be equipped and confident to cope with life’s stressors. 

The mission of the academy is to, “intervene in and reclaim the lives of 16-18-year-old high school dropouts, producing program graduates with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as responsible and productive citizens of Idaho.” 

To accomplish their mission the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe adheres to eight core components that are constantly reflected on and engrained into the cadets.

Eight Core Components:

1.   Leadership/Followership
2.   Responsible Citizenship
3.   Service to Community
4.   Life-Coping Skills
5.   Physical Fitness
6.   Health and Hygiene
7.   Job Skills
8.    Academic Excellence

There aren’t enough praises that could be said about the transformations that the youth in this program are making. From overcoming drug addiction to having the determination to complete their GED/high school diploma (many with academic honors) the cadets are uncovering the willpower to achieve greatness and steer their lives towards positive goals. Not only does the program focus on the cadets, but it also focuses the contributions the cadets can offer the community of Idaho by requiring each cadet to complete 40 hours of community service with various organizations. The Idaho Youth ChalleNGe is paving a future for the youth and future of Idaho. 

To learn more about the program, check out their website at  http://www.idyouthchallenge.com/. If you would like to become a mentor or know an individual between the age of 16-18 that could benefit from the program, please contact the admissions staff at (208) 464-1253. 




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