Thunderbird Youth Challenge Program

The 22-week residential phase operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with a rigorous military-style structure. Cadets live on campus continuously with periodic weekend passes when parents or guardians must arrange transportation. The program is built around the eight core components: Academic Excellence, Life Coping Skills, Job Skills, Health and Hygiene, Responsible Citizenship, Service to Community, Leadership/Followership, and Physical Fitness. Electronics including cell phones are prohibited during the residential phase, though cadets may receive mail from family and friends. Parents cannot visit during the residential phase, but two mandatory weekend passes occur during the program.

Quasi-military discipline model emphasizing self-discipline, teamwork, resilience, and respect. The program is completely tobacco, drug, and alcohol-free with random drug testing at the program's discretion. Cadets wear issued uniforms throughout the residential phase and follow a strict code of conduct. The mentorship component is mandatory; every cadet must have a committed mentor who serves as a vital support system during and after the residential phase. Medical staff are on shift or on-call 24 hours to maintain cadet health and safety.

Daily physical training is a core component of the program, integrated into the military-style structure. During the acclimation period, candidates begin their Physical Fitness test which includes a 1-mile run, pushups, and sit-ups. Circuit training sessions have cadets sprinting to different stations performing exercises including squats, lunges, mountain climbers, and other calisthenics. Physical fitness assessments are conducted throughout the program to measure improvement, and all cadets are expected to demonstrate progress across cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility.

The 600+ acre campus on the former Whitaker Education Training Center in northeastern Oklahoma features residential barracks, academic classrooms, and physical training areas. Cadets have access to fitness areas for circuit training and physical fitness testing, as well as outdoor drill and training grounds. The partnership with Northeast Tech provides cadets access to vocational training facilities for hands-on learning in various trades including HVAC, construction, electrical engineering, and phlebotomy. Medical services are available on-site with staff either on shift or on call 24 hours.