Commonwealth ChalleNGe

The Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy is a co-educational program for at-risk teens ages 16 to 18 offered free of charge to all participants.

This two-part program consists of a 22-week, quasi-military residential phase at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach followed by a 12-month, post-residential phase.

During the residential program, cadet studies are centered on the eight components of the program – academics, life-coping skills, work skills, citizenship, leadership/followership, health education, physical fitness and community service – and by the end of the program, cadets will have the opportunity to take the General Educational Development (GED) test. Classes offered during the residential phase focus on preparing the cadet to pass the GED.

Candidates must be drug free, between the ages of 16 and 18 and currently living in Virginia.

To learn more about the Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CommonwealthChalleNGe/.