Since it began in 1994, the New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy has helped change the lives of more than 4,500 young people.
On December 16, 2024, the academy celebrated its 30th anniversary with the graduation of Class 58.
The ceremony was held at the National Guard Armory in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, where 40 cadets proudly received their diplomas.
This milestone marked the program’s long history of giving at-risk youth a second chance to succeed.
The academy provides a 22-week residential program that gives young people a chance to turn their lives around.
It includes a 22-week residential phase where cadets live in a military-style environment.
Essentially, the setting helps them learn discipline, teamwork, and responsibility. They also work on their academics, physical fitness, and social skills.
After they graduate, the program continues with a one-year mentoring phase, where a mentor helps guide the cadets as they work toward their goals.
For Class 58, the results of their hard work were clear.
Together, they completed over 1,400 hours of community service, giving back to their communities in meaningful ways.
Along with this, 32 cadets earned their GEDs.
One cadet, Dinanyeri Guzman Roso, showed how much can be achieved with determination and support.
When she began the program, she doubted herself.
By the time she graduated, she had increased her Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score by 40 points.
She left the program with confidence and skills that will help her succeed in the future.
At the graduation, speakers shared messages of encouragement.
Brig. Gen. Michael LaPoint, Deputy Adjutant General of New Jersey, praised the cadets for their perseverance and encouraged them to aim high.
Retired Col. Walter Nall, the academy’s first commandant, reminded graduates to stay strong, build trust with others, and keep growing.
The event also welcomed alumni who returned to share their stories of success.
One of them was U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Sage Blanks, a Class 56 graduate.
He shared how the program helped him prepare for the challenges of military training and overcome homesickness.
Another graduate, Jamel Johnson from Class 38, talked about how the skills he learned at the academy helped him in the New Jersey Air Guard and in life.
Kevin Lamb, a Class 10 graduate, shared how the program gave him the foundation he needed to build a career in technical support and science outreach.
The NJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy has proven to be a life-changing program for many young people.
The next cadets will begin their journey on January 14, 2025, as the academy continues its mission to help at-risk youth succeed.
With 30 years of success and over 4,500 graduates, the academy has proven its ability to create meaningful change.
The program’s motto, “Deeds, not words,” perfectly represents its dedication to impactful and tangible outcomes.
To learn more about how the NJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy helps young people create brighter futures, visit njyca.org.
