About Grizzly Youth Academy

Grizzly Youth Academy (GYA) is a partnership between the California National Guard and the Grizzly Challenge Charter School. For youth between the ages of 15 1/2 and 18 who have dropped out of high school, or are at-risk of dropping out, we offer a highly-structured environment that promotes leadership, cooperation, and academic skills, while building self-esteem, pride, and confidence.

Once accepted into the program, cadets are introduced to a quasi-military structure, participate in team building activities, practice making healthy choices, attend school daily, gain organizational and study skills, participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, and receive the support they need to turn their lives around.

Grizzly Youth Academy is voluntary. Young men and women who apply must be committed to completing the 22-week residential phase and the 12-month post-residential phase.

Tuition, room and board, and books are provided at no cost to the family. Cadets must bring a few basic essential items (underwear, shoes, sweats, toiletries, grooming essentials and other personal items). The rest is provided.