Academy for struggling teens now accepting applications

March 10, 2010 - A no-cost alternative program for "at-risk" youth, the Wisconsin Challenge Academy is now accepting applications for its next class of cadets entering on July 22, 2010. Located at Fort McCoy, Wis., the Academy offers teens that are at risk of not graduating a chance to earn their High School Equivalency Diploma, learn essential job and life-coping skills and, most importantly, develop the strength of character to become responsible citizens.

To qualify for this program, which is no cost to families, applicants must be at least 16 years and nine months old but not yet 19, have dropped out of school, been expelled, or become at least a year behind in credits. Candidates must not have been convicted of a felony and cannot be on adult parole or probation at time of entry.

"If I didn't come here, I probably would have kept going down the wrong road and landed in jail where my friends are," a current Challenge Academy cadet said. "I needed to do something different and change my life, and this is a great way to start."

For someone who has the desire to get his or her life back on the right path, the Challenge Academy may be a step in the right direction. Call the Admissions Department at (608) 269- 4605 for an application, or visit the Challenge Academy's website at http://www.challengeacademy.org/.