Indiana National Guard: Recruiting New Cadets

When they need to go down a different path...

Now accepting applications for Class 36

Indiana’s Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy, located in Knightstown, offers military-based training to youth 16-18 years of age who did not or are not on the path to complete high school, are unemployed or underemployed and are crime-free and drug-free. HYCA trains and mentors these youth to develop the values, skills, education and self-discipline to become successful young adults. The program is ideal for high-school-age youth who are not on a disciplined path to learn the skills they need to change the outcome of their current life situation and to graduate from high school.

The free program is a 17.5 month commitment, including an in-depth screening process, two-week acclimation phase, five-month residential phase and a yearlong post-residential mentorship phase to help graduates with career and life goal achievements. There is NO MILITARY OBLIGATION for those who participate.

^{HYCA is part of the National Youth Challenge Program established in 1993 by the National Guard.}

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Class 36 starts January 7, 2025.

Academic Excellence

All Challenge participants attend daily academic classes that increase math and reading comprehension and prepare them for General Education Development (GED) credential testing, credit recovery, or a high school diploma. Evaluation of a cadet’s grade level progress during the Residential Phase is measured using the Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) testing process. Cadets also explore the knowledge and skills required to pursue future educational opportunities.

Health and Hygiene

Cadets learn the value of a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle. Challenge offers a holistic approach that combines physical and mental well-being as cadets explore the effects of substance abuse and sexually transmitted diseases on their physical health and well-being. Cadets learn the physical and emotional benefits of proper nutrition through participation in classes and structured group discussions.

Job Skills

Cadets prepare for long-term, gainful employment. Career exploration is accomplished through career assessment and interest inventories, job-specific skills orientation and awareness, and training in area vocational centers. Specific classroom activities focus on development of individual resumes, completing job applications, and preparation for and conduct of job interviews.

Life Coping Skills

Cadets learn skills designed to last a lifetime. Increased self-esteem and self-discipline are gained through a combination of classroom activities, group discussions, and a structured living environment. Cadets learn how to identify and self-regulate emotions, such as anger, grief, frustration, and stress and how to utilize conflict resolution strategies. Challenge provides the educational resources necessary to foster fiscal responsibility, helping cadets understand personal finance, basic banking, obtaining and managing good credit, and how to prepare and manage a personal budget.

Leadership

Cadets develop strong character while identifying and applying individual moral and ethical standards to perform various roles and responsibilities in a structured group environment. They learn to willingly comply with established rules, regulations, and procedures; perform basic military customs and courtesies; define and recognize leadership skills, traits, dimensions, and components; employ leadership skills while performing in a leadership position; maintain a personal living area; and function as an effective team member.

Physical Fitness

Physical fitness becomes an integral part of cadet daily life. Cadets perform physical training based on the President’s Challenge, a test battery based on data collected from a variety of sources including the 1985 President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports National School Population Fitness Survey, the Amateur Athletic Union Physical Fitness Program, and the Canada Fitness Award Program.

Responsible Citizenship

Cadets discover their role in the democratic process and learn their rights, privileges, and obligations as United States citizens. The U.S. Government structure and processes, along with individual rights and responsibilities at the local, state and national level, are addressed in the classroom environment, in the student government process, and through practical experiences within local communities. Those who are eligible register for selective service and to vote.

Service to Community

Cadets realize the value and importance of giving back to the community while performing a minimum of 40 hours of service to the community and/or conservation project activities in groups and on an individual basis. These activities provide additional opportunities for career exploration as well as enhancing community-needs awareness in cadets.

Some kids need a second chance...

The mission of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program is to intervene in the life of at-risk youth and produce a program graduate with the values, skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as an adult.

The Hoosier Youth Challenge Program is a 17 1/2 months program that consists of a 5 1/2 months Residential Phase and 12 months Post Residential Phase. During a 5 1/2 months Residential Phase the Cadets work towards obtaining the HiSet (formerly GED) or they may choose to continue pursuing high school credits. Along with their educational choice, they will incorporate the program's 8 Core Components in a quasi-military environment. The components are used to develop personal values, self-discipline, academic success, and healthy lifestyles, as well as, to set goals and create a life plan. Upon graduation from the 5 1/2 months Residential Phase, a 12-months Post Residential Phase begins. During this Post, Residential Phase graduates return to their communities and implement their life plans while being guided, supported, and encouraged by a caring adult Mentor who serves as their role model.

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HYCA Cadet Application and On-site Assessment Process

Cadet Application
Complete and submit the full Cadet Application. Once the Academy has received your application, we will contact you. The initial call is very important, so if you receive a message from the Academy, be sure to return it as soon as possible. During this initial call, we will confirm receipt of your application, complete an application review and schedule you for on-site assessment. Your application will be reviewed by Academy staff to assess your eligibility. Be sure that any additional information you are asked to supply the Academy is returned within the designated timeframe. If any problems arise, contact your Admissions Counselor immediately.

Mentor Application
Mentor Applications can be submitted separately from the Cadet Application, but must be received no later than Opening Day. It is imperative that you take time to find an appropriate volunteer who will be a good role model for the applicant. Mentors must meet Academy guidelines.

On-site Assessment
Attend your scheduled On-site Assessment at Knightstown. Attendance of the Applicant and Parent/Legal Guardian is a requirement in the application process, but does not mean you have been accepted into the program. The date you are given is very important; please do your best to attend on this day. If scheduling conflicts arrive call the Academy immediately.

At the On-site Assessment, you will be given a lot of information to assist you in deciding whether you are truly committed to attending and completing the program. You will receive a briefing about the program and what to expect; your uniform measurements will be obtained; Academy staff will review your application material; you tour the HYCA campus; and you will participate in acclimation assessments and a personal interview. At the end of the day, you will know what information the Academy still needs to process your application. Only those files that are complete are eligible to be considered for acceptance into the next class.

Notification of acceptance or denial
You will be notified by mail of acceptance or denial into the program approximately one month prior to the HYCA Class start date. Acceptance information will not be given out over the phone; please do not call the Academy unless you have not received a letter two weeks prior to the start date.

You are accepted! What to do next

Read through your packet very carefully and take all necessary steps.
Begin working on ways to become a successful Candidate -- the more prepared you are the more successful you are likely to be.
Report on Opening Day. Please be sure to arrive on time. Opening Day is for the Candidate and Parents/Legal Guardian only. Space is limited. Avoid bringing additional family and/or friends. Families will move through a series of stations to make sure the Academy and the Candidate have everything they need.
Participate in Acclimation. Acclimation is the first two weeks of the Academy and can be very stressful. You will learn the structure and routine of the Academy while working on overcoming homesickness. Acclimation is your time to show the Academy you are committed to the program and you have what it takes to make it to Graduation.