Offers an academic and life-coping intervention program for every high school in the state. A National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program in partnership with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Academy is FREE to disengaged youth residing in the State of Washington. Since the program’s inception in 2009, the WYCA has graduated nearly 4000 students. Our vision is to provide youth at risk of dropping out (behind in credits or disengaged from school) with the opportunity to change through personal growth in positive values, life coping skills, and job skills training. Helping youth get back on track toward a quality education, the program incorporates a highly structured, quasi-military format, with an emphasis on student discipline and personal responsibility. Class cycles begin every January and July. Students attend the 5 ½ month residential program and return to their school with eight to twelve credits to use towards on-time graduation. The WYCA connects graduates with volunteer Regional Advocates from their hometown and assigned Academy staff, both of whom monitor and support the graduates’ action plans for 24 months – assistance highly valued by school counselors.