Capital Guardian Youth Challenge
Laurel, MD
"Embrace the Challenge"
National Guard Youth Challenge Program
Free Intervention Program for At-Risk Youth Ages 16-18
At a Glance
Established
2013
Program Type
Youth Challenge
Administered By
National Guard
State
Maryland
The Verdict
Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy isn't your typical military school—it's a life intervention program offering DC-area teens a free second chance at success. Operated by the District of Columbia National Guard on a 30-acre campus renamed Camp Schwartz in honor of Major General Errol R. Schwartz, CGYCA has transformed the lives of thousands of at-risk youth since 2013.
The 22-week quasi-military residential program takes high school dropouts and helps them earn their GED or DC High School Diploma. With 39% of graduates continuing their education, 47% entering the workforce, and 5% joining the military, CGYCA delivers measurable results—at no cost to families.
About
The Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy (CGYCA) is a life intervention, dropout reintegration, and General Education Development (GED) preparatory program, run by the District of Columbia National Guard in partnership with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education for the District of Columbia.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- Must be 16-18 years old
- Must be a DC resident or enrolled in a DC public or charter school
- Must have voluntarily dropped out of high school or be at-risk of not graduating
- Must be drug-free and pass initial drug screening
- Must not be under criminal justice supervision or have felony charges pending
- Must be physically and mentally capable of completing the program
- Must voluntarily agree to participate
- Must have a parent/guardian willing to participate in the process
Location
Program Details
Eligible Ages
16-18 years old
Residential Phase
22 weeks
Mentorship Phase
12 months
Cost
FREE
Annual Enrollment
50
Gender
coed
Eligibility
State Resident
Participation
Voluntary
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Cadets follow a highly structured daily schedule that includes physical training, personal hygiene, barracks maintenance, meals, academic classes, tutoring, after-school activities, service projects, team sports, study hall, and designated personal time. The program begins with a rigorous two-week Acclimation Phase designed to identify cadets with the desire and discipline to complete the program, followed by a 20-week Challenge Phase focused on the Eight Core Components curriculum. Weekends feature visiting local gyms and parks, adventure training, field trips, outdoor sports, movie nights, community service, uniform inspections, and nondenominational religious services.
Discipline Model
CGYCA operates as a quasi-military program emphasizing self-discipline, personal responsibility, and positive motivation. Cadets must meet military grooming standards, wear military-type uniforms, and observe standard military customs and courtesies. The structure mirrors National Guard training principles with emphasis on discipline and accountability. Cadets are organized into training platoons and live in dormitory-style barracks. The discipline system focuses on building character through structured activities, peer leadership, and progressive responsibility rather than punitive measures.
Program Outcomes
Success Metrics
39% continue education after graduation
Post-Program Pathways
Not applicable - GED/diploma program
Note: Youth Challenge programs focus on GED completion, credit recovery, and life skills development—not traditional college prep metrics.
Physical Training
Physical Fitness Program
Physical fitness is one of the Eight Core Components and is integrated into daily cadet life. Cadets perform military-style physical training based on the President's Challenge fitness standards, including running, calisthenics, and organized sports. The program emphasizes building lifelong commitment to physical wellbeing through structured PT sessions and recreational activities. Weekend activities include visits to local gyms and parks, adventure training, and outdoor sports.
Facilities
The 30-acre Camp Schwartz campus in Laurel, Maryland was established in 2013 on a rehabilitated former juvenile detention facility. The state-of-the-art educational campus features 16 buildings including dormitory barracks, academic classrooms, dining facilities, and recreational areas. The site also serves as a DC National Guard training facility with plans for a leader's reactionary course, rappel tower, helipad, and small arms range. The campus provides a secure, structured environment conducive to personal transformation and academic achievement.
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
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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.
Religious Accommodations in Military Schools
Can your Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, or other faith child attend military school? Understand policies on dietary restrictions, religious services, grooming waivers, and faith expression.
International Student Admissions to U.S. Military Schools
A guide for international families considering American military schools. Understand visa requirements, English proficiency, and what to expect as an overseas applicant.
Leaving Military School: Withdrawal Policies, Refunds, and Transitions
What happens if military school isn't working out? Understand withdrawal timelines, refund policies, transcript handling, and how to transition back to traditional school.