Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Provides Structure for At-Risk Youth 

Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) is the newest of the 31-year-old National Guard Youth Challenge programs. Administered by the Department of Defense and implemented by the National Guard Bureau, KSCA is located at Fort Indiantown Gap. Funded by Federal (75%) and State (25%) entities, KSCA targets potential high school dropouts 15 ½ to 18 years of age.  

KSCA utilizes a military-like model to provide structure for youth to focus on improving their education, life skills, discipline, and employment opportunities. This 5 ½ month residential program is tuition-free. By partnering with schools, KSCA helps put youth back on a pathway to graduation. 

The Admissions Department is canvasing all Pennsylvania public schools for the new class that will begin in January 2025. Enrollment is voluntary. Cadets must be willing to be drug-free. Cadets cannot be on parole or probation for other than juvenile status offenses. They must be physically and mentally capable of program participation with reasonable accommodations for disabilities. 

The three “Es”: education, enlistment, or employment are tracked for 12-months by mentors, with 1,353 graduate contacts thus far. Currently, KSCA is tracking 47% graduates having enrolled in higher education, trades, or continuing high school; 24% are employed; and 12 cadets have enlisted in the United States military.  

By example, Graduate G was accepted as a full-time firefighter. Graduate A enlisted in the Coast Guard.  

Graduate L is enrolled at Point Park University in psychology. Angry, lacking in direction, unable to remain cooperative at home, this college freshman attended a recent graduation and told staff, “I’m not angry anymore.” ​