Georgia Youth Challenge Academy - Fort Eisenhower
Fort Eisenhower, GA
"Saving one youth at a time"
National Guard Youth Challenge Program
Free Intervention Program for At-Risk Youth Ages 16-18
At a Glance
Established
2000
Program Type
Youth Challenge
Administered By
National Guard
State
Georgia
The Verdict
Fort Eisenhower Youth Challenge Academy offers Georgia youth a second chance at academic success near Augusta. Since 2000, this National Guard program has helped thousands of cadets earn their high school diplomas through a partnership with Foothills Regional High School.
The 22-week residential program starts twice yearly (April and October) and follows the same proven military-style model as Fort Stewart, with complete immersion in discipline, academics, and character development.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
Fort Eisenhower Youth Challenge Academy (FEYCA), established in 2000, is a free 22-week residential program that helps at-risk youth earn a high school diploma through a partnership with Foothills Regional High School. Located near Augusta, Georgia, the program uses a military-style approach to transform lives.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- Age 16-18 at time of enrollment
- Georgia resident
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- High school dropout or educationally at-risk
- Drug-free (mandatory drug testing)
- Not on parole or probation (except juvenile status offenses)
- No pending court dates or felony convictions
- Physically and mentally capable of completing program
- Voluntary commitment to change
Location
Program Details
Eligible Ages
16-18 years old
Residential Phase
22 weeks
Mentorship Phase
12 months
Cost
FREE
Gender
coed
Eligibility
State Resident
Participation
Voluntary
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Cadets follow a rigorous military-style schedule similar to Army Basic Combat Training. Classes begin in April and October, running continuously for 5½ months (22 weeks residential phase). Daily activities include physical training, barracks duties, academic classes through Foothills Regional High School partnership, and structured evening activities. The program emphasizes the Eight Core Components of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program.
Discipline Model
Military-style discipline modeled after U.S. Army customs and courtesies. Cadets learn military leadership, teamwork, drill and ceremony, and chain of command structure. The structured environment emphasizes peer accountability, with cadets progressing through leadership roles. Following the 22-week residential phase, cadets must complete a 12-month post-residential phase with mentor support.
Program Outcomes
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. The fitness regimen follows military standards and includes team-based PT, drill in cadence, and activities designed to build physical endurance and mental resilience.
Physical Activities
Facilities
Campus located on Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon). Cadets utilize military-grade training facilities including barracks, drill pads, physical training areas, and academic classrooms.
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
Georgia Youth Challenge Academy - Fort Stewart
Fort Stewart, GA
The Fort Stewart Youth Challenge Academy (FSYCA) is a 22-week residential program that helps at-risk youth earn a high school diploma, recover credits, or take college classes. The program focuses on developing motivated cadets through academic and life skills training.
Florida Youth Challenge Academy
Starke, FL
The Florida Youth Challenge Academy is a community-based program that leads, trains, and mentors at-risk youth to become productive citizens. The voluntary program is for 16- to 18-year-old high school dropouts and provides a highly regimented, motivational environment.
South Carolina Youth Challenge Academy
Eastover, SC
The Mission of South Carolina Youth Challenge Academy is to empower and prepare youth to develop personal, academic, and career success through education, mentoring, and training.
Tarheel Challenge Academy
Salemburg, NC
Tarheel Challenge Academy is a quasi-military program for 16-18 year old high school dropouts. It aims to provide graduates with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens.
Alaska Military Youth Academy
JBER, AK
The Alaska Military Youth Academy is a National Guard Youth Challenge Program that helps at-risk youth develop self-confidence, discipline, leadership skills, and life-coping skills.
Appalachian Challenge Academy
Grays Knob, KY
To intervene in and reclaim the lives of 16 - 18 year old Kentuckians and produce program graduates with the tools and skills necessary to succeed in society.
Guides & Resources
Georgia's Special Needs Scholarship: Using State Funds for Military School
How Georgia families with IEP or 504 Plan students can use the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (SB10) to fund private military school tuition.
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.
Summer Programs: Test-Drive Military School Before Committing
Discover military school summer camps and programs that let students experience cadet life before enrolling. A low-risk way to find the right fit.