Oregon Youth Challenge High School
Bend, OR
"Today's Challenge...Tomorrow's Success"
National Guard Youth Challenge Program
Free Intervention Program for At-Risk Youth Ages 16-18
At a Glance
Established
1999
Program Type
Youth Challenge
Administered By
National Guard
State
Oregon
Accreditations
The Verdict
Housed in a former Cold War-era military command bunker between Bend and the Oregon Badlands, the Oregon Youth Challenge Program has graduated nearly 6,500 cadets since 1999—offering Oregon's at-risk teens a genuine second chance in a quasi-military environment that combines academic rigor with life skills development.
With 96% of recent graduates working or attending school within six months of completion, and graduates earning 20% higher wages than their non-participating peers, OYCP represents one of the most effective intervention programs in the National Guard's Youth Challenge network. Embodying their motto "Today's Challenge...Tomorrow's Success," the 17-month program serves all 36 Oregon counties at no cost, transforming high school dropouts into diploma-earning, goal-setting young adults.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
The Oregon Youth Challenge Program (OYCP) is a 17-month National Guard intervention program established in 1999 to help Oregon teens aged 15-18 who have dropped out or fallen behind academically. The program combines a rigorous 22-week residential phase with 24 months of post-residential mentoring, providing a highly structured quasi-military environment where cadets can recover credits, earn high school diplomas or GEDs, and develop the values, life skills, and self-discipline necessary to become productive citizens.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- Must be an Oregon resident aged 15-18 (must be 16 by graduation)
- Must be a lawful permanent resident of the United States
- Academically deficient (behind in high school credits), at-risk of not graduating, or a high school dropout
- Free from felony convictions and no open violations for adult status offenses
- Must be drug-free and willing to remain drug-free
- Physically and mentally capable of participating in the program
- Participation is entirely voluntary (cannot be court-ordered)
- Must complete mandatory orientation with legal guardian (virtual or in-person)
- Must complete online application through ParentVue (Edupoint)
Location
Program Details
Eligible Ages
16-18 years old
Residential Phase
22 weeks
Mentorship Phase
12 months
Cost
FREE
Annual Enrollment
180
Gender
coed
Eligibility
State Resident
Participation
Voluntary
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Cadets follow a highly structured military-style schedule throughout the 22-week residential phase. The day begins at 6:00 AM with cadets preparing bunks to inspection standards and reciting core values before breakfast. The schedule integrates classroom instruction with physical training, formation marching, and work assignments in the kitchen and laundry facilities. The day concludes after Taps plays over the campus loudspeakers. No cell phones are permitted—the program emphasizes eliminating outside distractions to foster focused personal development.
Discipline Model
OYCP operates a progressive discipline system modeled on military structure. Infractions begin with verbal warnings, escalating to disciplinary action reports. Escalating violations result in grade deductions, extra physical training assignments, additional work duties, mandatory essays, and ultimately potential dismissal following administrative review. Drug testing is mandatory with zero tolerance—any positive test results in immediate dismissal. The quasi-military framework emphasizes chain of command, peer accountability, and progressive responsibility.
Program Outcomes
Success Metrics
96% of graduates are employed or attending school 25+ hours weekly within six months of completion
Post-Program Pathways
N/A (program focuses on GED/diploma completion and career readiness; approximately 3% of graduates pursue military careers)
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 a core curriculum component integrated into daily cadet life. All cadets participate in mandatory military-style physical training sessions based on the President's Challenge standards, including running, calisthenics, and organized sports. Physical training serves as both a fitness regimen and a disciplinary tool—additional PT may be assigned as a consequence for infractions. The program emphasizes the connection between physical wellness and mental well-being.
Physical Activities
Facilities
The campus is housed in a former Cold War-era military command bunker located between Bend and the Oregon Badlands, repurposed for youth programming after the Cold War ended. Following an $11 million renovation and expansion adding 7,000 square feet of new classrooms, bunk rooms, exercise and staff facilities, the campus now accommodates up to 180 cadets per class across multiple dormitories, with designated female housing. Facilities include barracks-style housing, classroom buildings, physical training areas, kitchen and laundry facilities where cadets work, and outdoor formation grounds.
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
Battle Born Youth Challenge Academy
Carlin, NV
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.
Discovery Challenge Academy
Lathrop, CA
The mission of the Discovery Challenge Academy National Guard Challenge Program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of teens, ages 16-18, at risk of not graduating on time, through programs that develop life skills, values, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens.
Grizzly Youth Academy
San Luis Obispo, CA
Grizzly Youth Academy is a partnership between the California National Guard and the Grizzly Challenge Charter School. The mission of the program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of 16-18 year old students at risk of dropping out, providing them with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens.
Idaho Youth Challenge Academy
Pierce, ID
The mission of the Idaho Youth Challenge Academy is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth to produce program graduates with the values, skills, education and self-discipline necessary to succeed as responsible and productive citizens of adults.
Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy
Los Alamitos, CA
Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy is a tuition-free, 5.5-month residential military-style high school operated by the California National Guard in partnership with the Orange County Department of Education. Located on Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, the program serves at-risk youth ages 16-18 who are behind in credits, helping them earn up to 65 high school credits while developing leadership, discipline, and life skills. Since 2008, over 5,000 students have graduated from the program.
Washington Youth Challenge Academy
Bremerton, WA
The Washington Youth Challenge Academy is a state-run residential and post-residential intervention program for at-risk youth, providing a highly disciplined and professional learning environment to help them improve their educational level and employment potential.
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
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The Cadet Life Handbook: From Reveille to Roommates
The definitive guide to daily life at military boarding school. From the 6 AM wake-up to living with a roommate from a different world—everything parents and students need to know.
Behavioral History: What Disqualifies a Student from Military School?
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Indiana: The Culver Experience
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