Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time do I have to get up and go to bed?
A: You will wake up at 5:00 AM and go to bed at 9:00 PM
Q: What happens if I do not pass the High School Diploma test?
A: All students will be given the opportunity to take the High School Diploma test while attending the Youth ChalleNGe Academy. Those who do not make a satisfactory score are encouraged to enroll in an adult education center in their home town when they return.
Q: Can I bring my vehicle to the academy?
A: No.
Q: Will there be drug testing and inspections?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I smoke while enrolled at the academy?
A: Cadets are not allowed to use tobacco products during the 22 weeks.
Q: Will I have free time?
A: Yes, however even your spare time consists of structured activities.
Q: How do I enroll my child in your academy?
A: You cannot enroll your child in the academy. Enrollment at the academy is strictly voluntary. All cadets must be willing to enter the academy and comply with its rules and strict discipline. All cadets are interviewed about their willingness to enter the academy and are tested in reading and mathematics to determine their grade levels in those subjects.
Q: How much does the academy cost?
A: The academy is a `No Fee` program. It is currently funded 60 percent by the Federal Government and 40 percent by the State of New Jersey. However, cadets must have a physical before they enter the academy and purchase some clothing and toiletry items. It is possible to spend at least $200 or more in preparation for enrollment.
Q: Do I earn a GED or a High School diploma?
A: The State of New Jersey only issues one kind of diploma - a New Jersey High School Diploma. Cadets who achieve a passing grade on the GED examination receive a New Jersey High School Diploma.
Q: Is this a "Boot Camp" and are cadets in the academy criminals?
A: This is not a "Boot Camp" operated by the Department of Juvenile Justice. It is a military-style academy sponsored by the New Jersey National Guard. By cooperative agreement with the National Guard Bureau, no cadet can have court dates pending, be on probation or be a convicted felon.
Q: How long is the course of study at the academy?
A: 5 1/2 months (22 weeks) in residence and 12 months in the post-residential phase, a total of 17 and a half months.
Q: Do cadets go home on weekends or in the evenings?
A: There are scheduled pass dates, however, most of the time the cadets remain at the academy on weekends and evenings. All parents are given the pass dates upon their child's entry into the academy.
Q: Can cadets be expelled or quit the academy?
A: Yes cadets can be expelled if they do not cooperate. Cadets who fight with other cadets, cadets who are caught with drugs will be expelled from the academy. Cadets who no longer want to participate voluntarily may request to quit the academy. Parents/Guardians and various staff are contacted to determine why a cadet wants to quit and conduct a process of interviews. If the cadet`s reason is valid or it is hopeless to change the cadet`s mind, the cadet is allowed to quit the academy.