ABOUT YOUTH CHALLENGE ACADEMY
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
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 productive citizens.
ABOUT THE STAFF
OUR MISSION
1 - Academic Excellence
2 - Leadership/Followership
3 - Physical Fitness
4 - Job Skills
5 - Health & Hygiene
6 - Life Coping Skills
7 - Responsible Citizenship
8 - Service to Community
8 CORE COMPONENTS
SCHOLARSHIPS
Every cycle the Youth Challenge Academy provides the opportunity to attending cadets to apply for numerous scholarships. The staff is there to support with the application process. Each application is submitted to Oahu for screening and the final selection process. On graduation day the graduating class, staff and family learn about the winners of each available scholarship.
The Youth Challenge Academy operates under the Department of Defense lead by Major General A. Logan who was appointed as the Adjutant General for the state of Hawaii in January 2015. Brigadier General K. Hara was appointed Deputy Adjutant for the state of Hawaii in January 2015. Sergeant Major J.D. Williams was appointed Director of the Youth Challenge Academy for the state of Hawaii in June 2014. Sergeant Major G. Espinosa was appointed Deputy Director of the Youth Challenge Academy – Hilo Campus in June 2014.
The Administrative professionals at Youth Challenge keep the program operating by ensuring each staff member is accountable and paid. They purchase supplies and uniforms for cadets and staff. Their hard work includes maintaining the facility, equipment and vehicles, guaranteeing they are in working order. Working together they frequently volunteer to supervise cadets at service to community projects and provide moral support to cadets and staff alike.
/ ADMINISTRATION
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/ LEADERSHIP
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The Academic Department is charged with educating the cadets through the Waipahu Community School for Adults to obtain a C-Based Diploma. They instruct classes Monday through Friday and offer study hall and tutoring options to provide cadets with all the tools that they need to achieve their diploma within the five and a half month Residential Phase of the program. They devote their time with extra curricular activities such as wood working, yearbook, and managing the student body government.
/ ACADEMICS
03
/ CADRE
Cadres are on site twenty-four hours a day seven days a week. They are charged with the constant supervision of the cadets. They teach cadets the daily routine, how to operate in a quasi-military setting, what integrity is, and how physical training is properly executed. They are the motivating force that drives cadets to keep pushing themselves. The cadres are beacons to the cadets as a constant guide to display the true meanings of dedication.
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The Career Exploration Department instructs Life Coping Skills. In this class cadets learn basic life skills such as banking, the importance of maintaining good credit and stress management techniques that they can use no matter where they are. They arrange Service to Community projects for cadets to give back to the community. They also help arrange events like guest speakers and the college tour.
/ COUNSELING
The Medical staff is on hand to administer prescriptions and over the counter drugs as needed. They remain available to assess any health related issues that may arise. On call and available seven days a week night and day confirms cadet safety is first of all Youth Challenge priorities. Organization and flexibility are keys in apt care and the encouragement of proper hygiene
/ MEDICAL
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/ PROGRAM
COORDINATOR
The Program Coordinator is responsible for planning the day to day activities of every cadet. Another important responsibility is hosting the parent workshops. Each month at least one workshop is held for parents to get updates on their cadets and hear directly from the staff about current events. The Program Coordinator also is the master of ceremonies at most Youth Challenge events.
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/ RECRUITMENT,
PLACEMENT, MENTOR
08
PROGRAM TIME LINE
There are two cycles a year for potential applicants to enroll in the Youth Challenge Academy. Open enrolment occurs year round, however class start dates are early each year and mid-summer. Each cycle begins with a two week acclimation phase where candidates learn about the program rules, staff and daily routines. After candidates graduates Pre-Challenge and become cadets they begin their 5 month long pursuit of requirements to complete their diploma and achieve success in the program. This is done by meeting the 8 Core Components; attending academic and core classes, participating in physical training, and supporting community service projects. At the end of the residential phase of the program cadets graduate and return home to start their future. The P-Rap is given to cadets and mentors to help them remain prepared with a plan of their personal goals. The Post-Residential phase is a year of the mentor and graduate reporting to the RPM department about the graduates success, and needs. The staff is there to help graduates remain on track throughout this final 12 month phase.
The RPM Department manages recruiting cadets for two cycles a year and pairing those cadets with trained mentors. They also instruct P-Rap class and Job skills class to prepare each cadet for a successful future beyond graduation. They plan events such as community outreach, career fairs, military explorations and mock-interviews. This dedicated team assists cadets and graduates in becoming placed in either a college, the military or becoming employed. They follow each cadet for at least one year after graduation.
