South Carolina Youth Challenge Academy
Eastover, SC
"As We Strive To Perfect Our Craft, We Will Also Strive To Perfect Our Love For Each Other, LOVE WALK"
National Guard Youth Challenge Program
Free Intervention Program for At-Risk Youth Ages 16-18
At a Glance
Established
1998
Program Type
Youth Challenge
Administered By
National Guard
State
South Carolina
The Verdict
South Carolina Youth Challenge Academy offers a second chance for at-risk youth who have dropped out or are at risk of leaving high school. This tuition-free, 22-week residential program on the McCrady National Guard Training Center uses military-style structure and discipline to transform lives.
With two enrollment cycles per year (January and July), the Academy has been reclaiming futures since 1998—combining GED preparation, vocational training, and mentorship to guide 16-18 year-olds toward productive citizenship.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
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.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- Age 16-18 (15 with Director approval if turning 16 before graduation)
- South Carolina resident, U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- High school dropout, potential dropout, or expelled student
- School withdrawal documentation required
- No felony criminal convictions
- Physically and mentally capable of completing the program
- Commitment to be drug, alcohol, and tobacco free
- Youth-initiated mentor required for participation
Location
Program Details
Eligible Ages
16-18 years old
Residential Phase
22 weeks
Mentorship Phase
12 months
Cost
FREE
Annual Enrollment
200
Gender
coed
Eligibility
State Resident
Participation
Voluntary
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Cadets live on campus at McCrady National Guard Training Center for 22.5 weeks with no home visits. Daily schedule includes 4-6 hours of academic instruction, physical fitness training based on the President's Challenge standards, meals, personal grooming, leadership activities, community service, and structured study time. Phone calls are permitted after Week 6 to allow adaptation to the program. Communication occurs primarily through postal mail and Facebook Messenger.
Discipline Model
Military-style structure emphasizing discipline, consistency, and accountability. The two-week Acclimation Phase establishes expectations through close quarter drill, code of conduct training, teamwork exercises, and physical fitness. The Operations Department manages 24/7 cadet supervision. Cadets who successfully complete Acclimation demonstrate commitment to change and progress to the Residential Phase as full cadets.
Program Outcomes
Success Metrics
Graduates pursue diverse placements including high school return, higher education, employment, military service, or 30+ hours weekly volunteering
Post-Program Pathways
Military service is one of five approved post-residential placement options; ASVAB testing provided during the 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 training based on President's Challenge standards is mandatory for all cadets. Physical fitness is one of the eight core components of the Youth Challenge curriculum. The Acclimation Phase introduces intensive physical conditioning, which continues throughout the 22-week residential program.
Physical Activities
Facilities
Located on the 15,000-acre McCrady National Guard Training Center near Fort Jackson. Campus includes residential barracks, academic classrooms, physical training areas, drill fields, and access to National Guard training facilities. The center also hosts the 218th Regional Training Institute and multiple military reserve 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
Georgia Youth Challenge Academy - Fort Eisenhower
Fort Eisenhower, GA
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.
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.
Tarheel Challenge Academy
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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
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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
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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.
Battle Born Youth Challenge Academy
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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.
Guides & Resources
South Carolina: The Citadel Pipeline
South Carolina offers a unique ecosystem where schools like Camden Military Academy serve as direct feeders to The Citadel. Understand how SC military schools fast-track admission to the Senior Military College of the South.
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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Military Schools for Boys
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