Battle Born Youth Challenge Academy
Carlin, NV
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National Guard Youth Challenge Program
Free Intervention Program for At-Risk Youth Ages 16-18
At a Glance
Established
2020
Program Type
Youth Challenge
Administered By
National Guard
State
Nevada
The Verdict
Battle Born Youth Challenge Academy represents Nevada's commitment to reclaiming the potential of at-risk youth through the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. Located on 460 acres at the former University of Nevada Fire Sciences Academy in Carlin, this tuition-free residential program offers 16-18 year olds who have fallen behind in credits a structured, quasi-military environment.
Cadets can earn up to 7 high school credits, develop life skills, and build a foundation for future success—all at no cost to families.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
The mission of the Battle Born Youth Challenge Academy is to reclaim the potential of qualified and resilient youth through education, training, and service to the community.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- Voluntary application (must want to attend)
- Age 16-18 years old
- Behind in high school credits
- U.S. citizen or legal resident and Nevada resident
- Unemployed or underemployed
- Drug-free commitment required
- No felony convictions or pending felony charges
- Physically and mentally capable of completing the program
- Attend program presentation and interview
Location
Program Details
Eligible Ages
16-18 years old
Residential Phase
22 weeks
Mentorship Phase
12 months
Cost
FREE
Annual Enrollment
39
Gender
coed
Eligibility
State Resident
Participation
Voluntary
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Cadets follow a highly structured 24/7 quasi-military schedule that includes daily physical training, academic instruction, community service, and life skills development. The program begins with a two-week Acclimation Period focused on teamwork, drill, code of conduct, and physical fitness. The 5.5-month Residential Phase emphasizes discipline, consistency, and structure. Family contact is limited to two visits: a Family Day around week 10, and a 4-day pass over Memorial Day or Thanksgiving weekend.
Discipline Model
Military-style discipline with a 'hands-off' approach that is tough yet caring and respectful. Cadets must meet military grooming standards, wear military-type uniforms, and observe standard military customs. Staff are trained to work with at-risk youth in a residential setting. The program emphasizes self-discipline, personal responsibility, and positive motivation through the Eight Core Components: Academic Excellence, Life Coping Skills, Service to Community, Physical Fitness, Health and Hygiene, Responsible Citizenship, Job Skills, and Leadership/Followership.
Program Outcomes
Success Metrics
Varies (program focuses on GED/credit recovery and career readiness)
Post-Program Pathways
N/A (program designed for credit recovery and life skills development)
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 mandatory for all cadets, based on The President's Challenge physical fitness testing program. Cadets must be medically cleared before participating. Physical fitness is one of the Eight Core Components, with testing conducted throughout the Residential Phase and awards presented before graduation.
Facilities
460-acre rural campus on the Nevada Army Guard's Elko County Readiness Center in Carlin, featuring converted facilities from the former University of Nevada Fire Sciences Academy. The campus includes residential barracks, classrooms, physical training areas, and outdoor training grounds in Nevada's high desert landscape.
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.
Photo Gallery
Related Schools
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Guides & Resources
National Guard Youth Challenge Academies: What to Expect
A parent's guide to Youth Challenge programs—free residential programs for at-risk teens ages 16-18 run by the National Guard.
Free Military Schools: Your Complete Guide to No-Tuition Options
Yes, free military schools exist. Public academies, charter schools, service academies, and Youth Challenge programs offer tuition-free military education—each with different requirements and trade-offs.
Military School vs. Therapeutic Boarding: Knowing the Difference
A critical guide for parents of struggling teens. We clarify the stark difference between the discipline-based structure of a military school and the clinical intervention of a therapeutic program.
Resilience 101: Why Your Child Needs to Fail (Safely)
Modern parenting often protects kids from failure. Military schools provide a 'safe container' for failure—and that builds the grit missing in today's teens.
Transferring Credits: Will My Classes Count?
Understand how military school credits transfer to other high schools and colleges. Learn about regional accreditation, transcript evaluation, and how admissions officers view military school academics.
To the Future Cadet: A Letter from the Old Corps
A guide written directly to you—the student, not your parents. Real talk about what's coming, why the first week sucks, and why you'll thank your parents in ten years.