Wisconsin Challenge Academy
Fort McCoy, WI
"A Choice... A Challenge... A Change"
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
Wisconsin
The Verdict
Located on the 60,000-acre Fort McCoy Army installation in the heart of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Challenge Academy has been transforming at-risk teens since 1998. With an 87% HSED completion rate and over 50 graduating classes, this program offers more than a second chance—it delivers a complete life reset.
Cadets earn up to 7 free, fully transferable college credits while learning the eight core components that define the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. The quasi-military structure, combined with licensed teachers, counselors, and 24-hour supervision, creates an environment where troubled youth emerge as responsible citizens.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
The Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy is a 22-week residential program at Fort McCoy that helps at-risk youth ages 16-18 earn their High School Equivalency Diploma while developing leadership, discipline, and life skills through a quasi-military environment. Since 1998, the program has offered Wisconsin teens a second chance at education with an 87% HSED completion rate.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- Must be 16 years 9 months to 18 years old
- Wisconsin resident and U.S. citizen or legal resident
- One or more years behind in high school credits, expelled, or dropped out
- Not currently on parole or probation for a felony
- Drug-free and crime-free
- Volunteer participant (not court-ordered)
- Physically and mentally capable of participating
- Parent or guardian consent required
Location
Program Details
Eligible Ages
16-18 years old
Residential Phase
22 weeks
Mentorship Phase
12 months
Cost
FREE
Annual Enrollment
144
Gender
coed
Eligibility
State Resident
Participation
Voluntary
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Highly structured 24-hour schedule includes 8 hours of rest each night with regular sleep times. Days begin with physical training based on ability, followed by academic instruction in small classes averaging 18 cadets. The curriculum includes anger management, character development, ROPES courses, rappelling, experiential activities, community service projects, and leadership experiences. Three nutritious meals are provided daily. Call to Quarters provides supervised study time in the evening.
Discipline Model
Quasi-military structure emphasizing teamwork, close quarter drill, code of conduct, and leadership/followership. During the two-week orientation period, cadets focus on building unit cohesion and understanding program expectations. The cadet chain of command, under staff oversight, enforces standards. Discipline is corrective rather than punitive, with the goal of developing self-discipline and personal responsibility. 24-hour supervision with on-site medic (Registered Nurse), counseling staff, and fire, rescue, and police services within minutes.
Program Outcomes
Success Metrics
Varies - graduates pursue high school return, college, employment, or military
Post-Program Pathways
N/A - program focuses on HSED completion and post-residential success
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, with exercises scaled to individual ability levels. The program uses a progressive fitness approach that builds endurance, strength, and teamwork. Activities include ROPES courses, rappelling, close order drill, and structured physical fitness training. The quasi-military environment ensures every cadet develops physical discipline and healthy habits.
Physical Activities
Facilities
Located on the Fort McCoy Army installation, cadets have access to military-grade training facilities including barracks housing, academic classrooms, physical training areas, ROPES courses, and rappelling towers. Fort McCoy provides fire, rescue, and police services within minutes. The academy offers safe housing with 24-hour supervision, three nutritious meals daily, and on-site medical care with a Registered Nurse. Uniforms (dress, duty, and sleep attire for summer and winter) are provided at no cost.
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
Lincoln's Challenge Academy
Rantoul, IL
Lincoln's Challenge Academy is a youth intervention program in Illinois that utilizes a quasi-military model to provide a structured and disciplined learning environment for at-risk youth. The academy focuses on classroom instruction, community service, life skills, and physical training to help cadets succeed.
Michigan Youth Challenge Academy
Battle Creek, MI
The Michigan Youth Challenge Academy offers at-risk males and females ages 15 1/2 through 18 an opportunity to graduate high school and realize positive life changes through an intensive five and a half month residential and 12-month post-residential program.
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
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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.
Bluegrass Challenge Academy
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The Mission of the Kentucky National Guard Bluegrass Youth Challenge Program is to intervene and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth to produce program graduates with the values, skills, education and self-discipline necessary to excel as adults.
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
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.
What Is a Military School?
Understanding the different types of military academies in the United States, from private boarding schools to public academies and Youth Challenge programs.
IEPs and 504 Plans at Military Schools
How do military schools handle learning accommodations? Understand your rights, what to expect, and how to find schools that support students with learning differences.
The Cadet Readiness Checklist: Is Your Child Actually Ready?
Not every child is ready for military school. This honest assessment covers emotional maturity, physical ability, and the traits that determine success or failure.