SECOND CHANCES START HERE!
NJYCA is excited to welcome Class 59 on January 14, 2025. The application process is now open.
Refer to the eligibility requirements, application process and required documents below.
Admissions
Eligibility Requirements
To be accepted into the New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy, prospective cadets must meet the following eligibility requirements.
VOLUNTEER
Prospective cadets must volunteer to attend and be physically and mentally capable of completing the program.
16-18 YEARS OF AGE
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and no older than 18 years of age on the first day of the program.
LEGAL RESIDENT
Prospective cadets must be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States. Applicants may reside in any state or territory.
SCHOOL STATUS
At-risk of not completing high school with their peer group. Eligible to enroll in high school courses (must have completed 8th grade).
LAW VIOLATIONS
The applicant must not be on parole, probation, or deferred disposition for other than juvenile offenses. Please note, juvenile offenses will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
DRUG FREE
Cadets will be drug-tested while enrolled in the Academy and will be discharged if they test positive for the presence of illegal drugs.
UNEMPLOYED
The applicant must be unemployed or underemployed.
HEALTH INSURANCE
The applicant must have proof of medical insurance coverage.
Application Process
Phase One
Review eligibility requirements above. Then complete the online pre-application.
Phase two
Interested parties who meet program eligibility requirements are invited to participate in a 15-minute interview via the Zoom platform.
Phase three
Based on interview data, those selected to this phase are invited to a mandatory in-person orientation and interview (O&I) session at our Academy location in Sea Girt, NJ.
Phase four
During the O&I session, selected attendees will be provided a detailed orientation of our program, a tour of our site, and Q&A session with staff. After the interview, those selected to the final phase will receive the official application packet to complete on-site that day. Any required documents not brought to the O&I will have to be mailed to the Academy prior to acceptance.
Phase five
After a review of the application and all required documentation, applicants are notified whether they were accepted, declined or deferred to a future class.
noteworthy
There is a high level of interest for admission to our Academy. For that reason, the selection process is very thorough and the application requirements must be followed for admission consideration.
Required Documentation
Due to possible delays at government agencies, if you are considering applying to the Academy and do not have a valid county or state ID, social security card, or birth certificate available, we suggest you go ahead and apply for those now.
- For information on a state identification card:
https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/license/nondriverid.htm - For information on replacing your social security card:
https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/replacement-card.html - For information on replacing your birth certificate:
https://vitalrecords.egov.com/CDC.VitalRecordsMVC.Web/Wizard/NJ/Pricing/PricingInformation
Additional Documentation Needed
High School Transcript
Contact your current/most recent school’s guidance department to request a copy of your latest transcript.
Proof of Residency
Copy of legal guardian’s valid driver’s license with a current lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill.
Letter of Recommendation
A letter from a current or former teacher, counselor, or administrator recommending you to our Academy.
Proof of US Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency
Official U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or INS Proof of Permanent Residency card (I-551).
Medical Records
Proof from certified medical professionals that shows you are physically and mentally sound to attend our Academy will be required.
