Alaska Military Youth Academy
JBER, AK
"ChaNGe inspired by Choice."
National Guard Youth Challenge Program
Free Intervention Program for At-Risk Youth Ages 16-18
At a Glance
Established
1994
Program Type
Youth Challenge
Administered By
National Guard
State
Alaska
Accreditations
The Verdict
Since 1994, the Alaska Military Youth Academy has transformed over 6,800 at-risk Alaskan youth into productive citizens through its 22-week residential Challenge program. Located on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AMYA now accounts for 25% of all GED credentials earned in Alaska—a testament to its effectiveness after the 2014 GED test became more rigorous.
The program's holistic approach combines academics, physical fitness, and character development with a 12-month post-residential mentoring phase. Cadets participate in the Native Youth Olympics (preserving Alaskan cultural heritage while building endurance) and Adventure Training (outdoor survival skills known locally as "Green Line" training).
Campus & Cadet Life
About
Tuition-free 22-week National Guard Youth Challenge program at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for at-risk Alaska youth ages 16-18. Coed, residential, founded 1994.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- Must be 16-18 years old
- Alaska resident
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Must not have a traditional high school diploma or GED
- Free of legal entanglements
- Voluntary participation with genuine desire for change
- Agree to remain drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free
- Parent/guardian consent
Location
Program Details
Eligible Ages
16-18 years old
Residential Phase
22 weeks
Mentorship Phase
12 months
Cost
FREE
Annual Enrollment
220
Gender
coed
Eligibility
State Resident
Participation
Voluntary
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Structured military-style schedule includes early morning wake-ups with physical training, academic classes, technical skills training, and job-related instruction. Evenings are structured with supervised study and activities. Weekends include family visits, community volunteer service, and Adventure Training—outdoor survival and military-interest skills known locally as "Green Line" training, unique to Alaska's wilderness environment.
Discipline Model
Military training model with upgraded barracks living. No personal devices (cell phones, gaming devices), personal clothing, or vehicles permitted. Cadets wear authorized uniforms only. All coursework must achieve C grades or higher. The program emphasizes voluntary commitment—cadets cannot be sent involuntarily and must demonstrate genuine desire for positive life change.
Program Outcomes
Success Metrics
Nearly 90% graduate high school within 12 months post-program
Post-Program Pathways
Approximately 10% enlist in military within 12 months of graduation
Note: Youth Challenge programs focus on GED completion, credit recovery, and life skills development—not traditional college prep metrics.
Physical Training
Physical Fitness Program
Daily physical training is a core component of the 22-week residential program. The fitness curriculum promotes personal health and wellness through structured exercise, emphasizing healthy living and lifestyle choices. Cadets regularly achieve significant fitness improvements—the 2025-2 class collectively lost 3,174 pounds and reduced BMI by 480.6 points.
Physical Activities
Facilities
Located on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson at Camp Carroll, facilities include upgraded military barracks, classroom buildings, dining facilities, and physical training areas. AMYA is a certified Archery in the Schools site and national partner with Boys and Girls Club of America. Adventure Training includes outdoor and military-interest activities held on rotating weekends.
Note: Youth Challenge programs emphasize physical fitness as one of the Eight Core Components, focusing on building endurance, strength, and healthy habits rather than varsity athletics.
Related Schools
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Guides & Resources
National Guard Youth Challenge Academies: What to Expect
Free 22-week National Guard residential programs for teens 16-18 who are behind in school. Eligibility, what to expect, and the academy in your state.
Free Military Schools: 4 Tuition-Free Options
Yes — four options charge no tuition: public military academies, charter schools, service academies, and Youth Challenge. Private boarding runs $25,500-$67,000.
Military School vs. Therapeutic Boarding School
Military schools build leaders; therapeutic programs treat crises. Compare purpose, staff, and cost — $30,000-$65,000 a year vs. $10,000-$20,000 a month.
Military School Discipline, Culture & Safety
Military school discipline is developmental, not punitive—nothing like a boot camp. How to tell healthy training from hazing, plus 5 questions to ask admissions.
Military Schools for Girls: Every Option in the U.S. (2026)
Military schools for girls: the nation's only all-female cadet corps, Culver Girls Academy, coed boarding from ~$32,500/year, and free public options by state.
Military Boarding Schools: The Complete U.S. List (2026)
Every private military boarding school in America — 20 academies with 2026-27 tuition from $25,500 to $67,000 — plus coed options and free alternatives.