Keystone State Challenge Academy
Annville, PA
"DREAM. BELIEVE. ACHIEVE."
National Guard Youth Challenge Program
Free Intervention Program for At-Risk Youth Ages 16-18
At a Glance
Established
2022
Program Type
Youth Challenge
Administered By
National Guard
State
Pennsylvania
The Verdict
Keystone State Challenge Academy represents Pennsylvania's answer to a national crisis: the 1.2 million American teens who drop out of high school each year. Launched in 2022 at Fort Indiantown Gap, KSCA is part of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program—a network of 40 academies across 30 states that has transformed over 215,000 young lives since 1993.
The program takes at-risk 16-to-18-year-olds who have fallen off the traditional academic path and immerses them in a 22-week military-style residential experience completely free of charge. Through the eight core components of the Challenge model, cadets earn their GED or recover high school credits while developing the discipline and self-confidence needed to succeed as adults.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
KSCA uses a military academy style training model to provide structure and discipline for youth between the ages of 16 and 18 years old. It helps prepare them with skills they will need in adulthood.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- Pennsylvania resident between ages 16-18 (15-year-olds may apply with Director approval)
- At risk of not completing high school or not currently attending school
- U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- No felony convictions or pending criminal charges
- Not on parole or probation for serious offenses
- Willing to be drug-free and voluntarily commit to the program
- Complete orientation and interview with parent/guardian
- Successfully complete 2-week Acclimation Phase
Location
Program Details
Eligible Ages
16-18 years old
Residential Phase
22 weeks
Mentorship Phase
12 months
Cost
FREE
Annual Enrollment
138
Gender
coed
Eligibility
State Resident
Participation
Voluntary
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
The day begins at 0600 hours when cadets wake, make their bunks, complete personal hygiene, dress in uniform, and form up for morning formation. The structured day includes physical fitness training, academic classes taught by certified CAIU teachers through the early afternoon, followed by club activities such as gardening, hiking, and military club activities. The military club leverages Fort Indiantown Gap's resources including land navigation courses, training simulations, and visits to active helicopter units. Cadets march to class singing cadence, maintaining military bearing throughout the day.
Discipline Model
KSCA operates on a quasi-military model emphasizing structure, discipline, and peer accountability. Cadets maintain their bunks and wall lockers to military standards. The program uses a developmental rather than punitive approach—recognizing that these youth need guidance and second chances. The two-week Acclimation Phase serves as both orientation and evaluation, ensuring cadets are prepared to commit to the full program. Those who demonstrate they are not suitable candidates may be disenrolled, but the focus remains on building up rather than breaking down.
Program Outcomes
Success Metrics
Not published (program focus is GED/high school completion)
Post-Program Pathways
Not applicable (GED 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
Daily physical fitness training focused on improvement rather than competition. Cadets work toward progress in a timed one-mile run, sit-ups, and push-ups. The emphasis is on personal growth—meeting cadets where they are and helping them develop healthier habits. Activities include runs at Blue Mountain Track and various outdoor training opportunities across Fort Indiantown Gap's extensive acreage.
Physical Activities
Facilities
Cadets live and learn in newly renovated facilities including barracks, classrooms, and common spaces. The 24,000 square foot multipurpose center serves as the hub of cadet activities, featuring a gymnasium for recreational sports, dining facility with full kitchen, health suite with medical office, multipurpose classrooms, physical fitness/training room, and storage areas. The Fort Indiantown Gap location provides access to military training resources including ranges, land navigation courses, and aviation units.
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
Capital Guardian Youth Challenge
Laurel, MD
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.
Freestate Challenge Academy
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
The Freestate Challenge Academy is a voluntary, quasi-military program that provides at-risk youth with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline needed to succeed as productive citizens. The tuition-free program offers a 22-week residential military-style program for adolescents to change their future for the better.
Mountaineer Challenge Academy
Kingwood, WV
The Mountaineer Challenge Academy is a residential program operated by the West Virginia National Guard at Camp Dawson. It provides a safe, secure, and structured learning environment for at-risk youth ages 16-18, offering them a second chance to obtain their high school diploma and hands-on career training through a 22-week quasi-military residential program.
New Jersey Youth Challenge Academy
Sea Girt, NJ
The mission of the New Jersey Youth Challenge Academy is to be a leadership academy for youth so they become responsible and productive citizens of their community, state, and country.
Alaska Military Youth Academy
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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
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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
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