ANNVILLE, PA — On Saturday, forty-five teens stood proudly at Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG), Lebanon County, marking the culmination of a life-changing 22-week residential program. These cadets, members of the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA), are not just graduates—they’re testaments to the resilience, grit, and determination required to turn a second chance into a pathway for success.
The KSCA serves as a beacon of hope for Pennsylvania teens at a crossroads, offering them the tools to change their trajectory. From struggling in high school to stepping into leaders and achievers, this program is a lifeline for young people who need direction. “It was an honor to see our cadets graduate from the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy today after their months-long commitment to the program,” said Brig. Gen. John R. Pippy, Pennsylvania’s acting adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). “Thank you to the academy staff for your dedication to the program and professionalism working with the cadets.”
A Platform for Transformation
The Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy is built on a simple, powerful idea—every teen deserves an opportunity to reset. Established at FTIG in July 2022 as part of the National Guard Bureau’s Youth ChalleNGe Program, the KSCA opens its doors to 16- to 18-year-olds who are struggling to find their footing in traditional high school settings. Whether they’re at risk of dropping out or already off track, the academy provides the structured environment many of these teens need to succeed.
The program is about more than education. While cadets work toward finishing their high school requirements or earning GEDs, they also gain critical life skills. The academy focuses on eight core components: Academic Excellence, Physical Fitness, Leadership/Followership, Responsible Citizenship, Job Skills, Service to the Community, Health and Hygiene, and Life Coping Skills. Meals, housing, uniforms, and school supplies are provided to cadets free of charge, ensuring no barriers to participation.
“Today’s graduates should be extremely proud of their accomplishments. Twenty-two weeks ago, you put your lives aside and accepted an incredible challenge that required discipline, resilience, and tenacity,” said Marc Ferraro, DMVA executive deputy secretary and commencement speaker. “Now you have the tools and knowledge to return to your lives and families with the ability for success, a bright future and to be a role model for others.”
Learning the Power of Service
Changing lives goes hand in hand with changing communities. Throughout the residential phase of the program, cadets participated in various service projects, from volunteering at food banks to assisting with the March for the Fallen and caring for cemetery and military ceremony grounds. These initiatives emphasize the importance of giving back, building responsibility, and fostering gratitude. For many cadets, these activities serve as a humbling reminder of the power of community and the values they want to carry forward.
The importance of service is also woven into the program’s design. Each cadet leaves not just with educational accomplishments, but also with a deep sense of purpose and the skills to make a tangible impact wherever they go.
The Next Chapter
Graduation is not the end of the KSCA experience. Over the next 24 months, these cadets will enter a mentorship phase, returning to their communities while pursuing education, employment, or military service. Each cadet is paired with a mentor who helps them stay accountable, achieve their goals, and overcome challenges along the way. It’s a critical component of the program’s long-term success, providing steady guidance during this crucial period of change.
The program’s reach extends far beyond Pennsylvania. Since its inception nationally in 1993, the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program has empowered over 200,000 teens nationwide, proving to be one of the most effective and cost-efficient programs addressing youth at risk of school failure, unemployment, and underemployment.
The Bigger Picture
The impact of programs like KSCA cannot be overstated. They represent a chance to interrupt cycles of hardship, to redirect youth at a critical juncture in their lives. For Pennsylvania, this is an investment in the future. It’s about equipping the next generation with the tools—leadership, discipline, responsibility, and education—to thrive in an increasingly demanding world.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration has placed emphasis on workforce development and second chances, underscoring the importance of respecting all paths to success. The KSCA aligns perfectly with this mission, proving that the right support system can reshape lives.
Applications for the program’s next class, set to begin in January, are now open. For all the teens who face barriers to traditional education, the KSCA offers not just a second chance, but a real shot at a brighter future. And for Pennsylvania, that’s a victory worth celebrating.
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