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OFFICIAL SITE OF THE STATE NEW JERSEY

Class 58 starts July 16, 2024

SECOND CHANCES START HERE!

NJYCA is excited to welcome Class 58 on July 16, 2024. 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.

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.

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NJYCA Main Number
(800) 997-5587 

Email
rpm@dmava.nj.gov

Mailing Address
NJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy
100 Camp Drive
Sea Girt, NJ 08750

Location
National Guard Training Center
100 Camp Drive
Sea Girt, NJ 08750
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NJYCA

NJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy

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Graduate Transcripts

NJYCA Graduates can request their transcripts from the staff below.

Victoria Chadwick  Victoria.Chadwick@dmava.nj.gov

Zaynah Northan Zaynah.Northan@dmava.nj.gov