About Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy

A FREE Program!

The Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy is a 29-and-a-half-month program, which includes a five-and-a-half month residential phase, followed by a 24-month post-residential phase.

The residential phase is a structured, quasi-military style environment designed to promote academics, attention to detail, time management, and leadership while promoting self-esteem, confidence, and pride.  The 2-year post-residential phase is a structured mentorship in which career advisors verify placement and provide resources for our graduates’ post-residential goals.

The Virginia ChalleNGe Academy is funded through the Federal and Virginia State Governments. There is no charge to the parent or guardian. 

Tuition, room and board, uniforms, and educational fees are provided. There is a minimal clothing requirement (underwear, sneakers, personal items, etc.)  candidates must bring when they report for class.  A list of the necessary items will be provided in advance.

Our History

The ChalleNGe Youth Academy opened its doors in July of 1994.  Since then, 60 classes totaling more than 5,500 cadets have completed this rigorous program and have gone on to lead successful lives.  The Academy is located on the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

About the Program

The Virginia ChalleNGe Academy is divided into three phases.

Phase 1: AcclimationIMG 3878, Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy

The first phase is the Acclimation Period. This period is the first two weeks of the residential phase that consists of physical, leadership, and mental challenges designed to test the candidates’ potential for success in the second phase of the program.

Phase 2: Residential

The second phase is a 20-week residential period that consists of academics (credit recovery or GED test preparation), post-residential goal development, physical fitness, counseling (both individual and group), life skills, and team building.  This phase supports the development of job skills and self-concept through daily activities and service to community

Phase 3:March, Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy Post-Residential

The third phase is a two-year post-residential phase.  This two-year advisory period is completed when the cadet returns home and has access to the guidance and assistance Challenge Career Advisors.

The relationship between the Cadet and ChalleNGe staff is required during this two-year phase.  Career Advisors will track the progress of each Cadet during the post residential phase and documents it for monthly reports per our program requirements.

Program Details

The Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy operates two residential classes per year. The classes begin in January and July. The residential phase consists of academics and structured training that includes daily rigorous physical fitness exercises. A variety of extra-curricular clubs and sports are available.

Program StaffExercise, Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy

Academic training and instruction are the responsibility of the faculty and is supplemented with various off site field trips.  The destinations of these trips vary, depending on the curriculum being taught at a given time. Past field trips have included museums, the Virginia Aquarium, the state capital, Washington D.C., and live theater performances.

The TAC (Teach Advise Counsel) Officers, also known as Cadre, are responsible for the cadets’ execution of the daily routine, physical fitness, personal hygiene, health and welfare, teaching ethical behavior and military science, and working together as a team.  Physical training (PT), drill and ceremonies (marching), and barracks inspections are also integral parts of this training in teaching cooperation, tolerance of others, and teamwork.