CHANGING LIVES ONE CHALLENGE AT A TIME
The Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy services students from around the Commonwealth of Kentucky and accepts applications year around.
Classes begin twice each year and are continuous for 22 Weeks. Following the residential phase of the program, the students must complete the 12-month post-residential phase in order to successfully complete the Youth ChalleNGe Program. The Bluegrass Youth ChalleNGe Academy graduates approximately 200 students each year.
The Mission of the Kentucky National Guard Bluegrass Youth ChalleNGe Program is to intervene and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth to produce program graduates with the values, skills, education and self-discipline necessary to excel as adults.
Learn more about the five months focusing on basic lifestyle changes, approached through a rigorous program of education, training, and self-discipline.
Resources available to parents and potential cadets including our policies, packing list, parent handbook, cadet blue book, and newsletter!
Cadets will utilize Mentor Pro to keep in contact with their mentor during the Post-Residential phase of the program.
OVERVIEW
For the first 22 weeks, cadets will live on the Bluegrass Challenge Academy campus 24/7, with periodic home passes. This phase is designed to foster self-discipline, teamwork, resilience, structure, and respect, using various techniques and a military framework based on the program’s 8 Core Components: Academic Excellence, Life Coping Skills, Job Skills, Health and Hygiene, Responsible Citizenship, Service to Community, Leadership/Followership, and Physical Fitness.
​
After completing the residential phase, cadets move into a 12-month post-residential phase. During this time, they live at home while Bluegrass Challenge Academy mentors maintain monthly contact to ensure they continue to build on their progress and success outside of Bluegrass.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
- 15 ½ years to 18 years of age
- US Citizen or Resident Status
- Cannot already have high school diploma or GED
- Not previously convicted of a felony or capital offense
- Must be mentally and physically capable of completing the program
