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Check Eligibility

Applicant MUST:

  • Volunteer for the program (they cannot be forced by their parents/guardians, school, friends, etc.)
  • Be between the ages of 16 -18 by the first day of the respective class they are applying to.
  • Be credit deficient at school or at-risk of dropping out.
  • A citizen or legal resident of the United States and resident of California.
  • Be clear of felony charges/pending felonies.
  • Live within one of these counties: SANTA CRUZ, SANTA CLARA, MERCED, MADERA, FRESNO, MONTEREY, SAN BENITO, KINGS, TULARE, INYO, SAN LUIS OBISPO, KERN, SANTA BARBARA, and VENTURA, as well as the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale.

To view Residency Requirements, click here.

Ready to Apply?

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FAQs

Are there any costs to participants of this program?

NO. This program is offered free of charge to its participants.

What is the cost per student and who pays for it?

The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program is one of the most cost-effective programs for high-risk youth in the nation. It costs approximately $14,000 for each youth to complete the 17 1/2-month program. These funds are provided by federal and state partnerships.