APPALACHIAN CHALLENGE ACADEMY
465 Grays Drive
Gray’s Knob, Kentucky 40829
606-574-0303
Toll Free 855-596-4927
Website: www.acaharlan.org
The Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy (ACA) will train and mentor selected at-risk youth to
become contributing members of society, using the Model 8 Core components in a regimental
environment during a 22-week residential and a 1 year post-residential program.
The basic qualifications for acceptance into the program are:
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16, 17 or 18 years of age upon entry.
A youth who is failing in school or no longer attending any school and who has not
received a high school diploma or a GED.
No pending felony charges or felony convictions.
Resident of Kentucky (Exceptions Virginia or Tennessee).
Mentally and physically capable to participate in the program.
Volunteer to attend the program.
Be free of illegal drugs. (Candidates will be tested for drug use at the return of each
pass.)
This program is of NO COST to any family.
For admission counseling, please contact our Recruiters.
Col. (ret) Joe Warren
231 Twin Creek Road
Irvine, KY 40336
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (606)643-5959
Counties: Bath, Clark, Estill, Garrard, Lee,
Lincoln, Madison, Magoffin, Menifee,
Montgomery, Morgan, Powell, Rowan and
Wolfe.
Dexter Day
PO Box 1495
Harlan, KY 40831
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (606)273-8044
Counties: Bell, Clay, Jackson, Knox, Laurel,
McCreary, Owsley, Pulaski, Rockcastle and
Whitley.
Otis (Rusty) Bailey
PO Box 524
Harlan, KY 40831
Email: [email protected]
Phone:(606) 344-2900
Counties: Harlan, Leslie, Perry, Breathitt,
Letcher, Knott, Floyd and Pike.
Greg Thomas
1082 Merridian Court
Lexington, KY 40504
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (859) 333-2432
Counties: VARIOUS/Rotating
APPALACHIAN CHALLENGE ACADEMY QUICK FACTS
FOUNDED
During the late 1980s the Rockefeller Foundation identified the need in our country to
provide opportunities for young people working to overcome problems in their lives that
include being a high school dropout. In 1991, the Joint Armed Services Committee
directed the National Guard to develop a plan to "add value to America" by providing
values, skills, education and self discipline to young people, incorporating the structure
and "esprit de corps" found in the military model. The National Guard Youth
ChalleNGe Program, was first authorized by Congress in the 1993 Defense Authorization
Bill, as a 17-month pilot program with 10 states participating. In 1998, Congress
permanently authorized the program at 60% Federal funding, 40% State funding. The
Appalachian ChalleNGe Program began in July 2012.
MISSION
The Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy (ACA) will train and mentor selected at-risk youth
to become contributing members of society, using the Model 8 Core components during a
22-week structured residential environment and a l year follow-up program.
CRITERIA
The basic qualifications for acceptance into the program are: Kentucky resident between'
the ages of 16-18 (on start date), free of illegal drugs, mentally and physically capable to
participate, and not under an indictment or convicted of a felony offense.
COURSES
The eight (8) Core Components of the ChalleNGe serve as the foundation for all
instruction at the Academy. Courses are Life coping Skills, Job Skills, Health,
Citizenship, Education, Community Service, Leadership/Followership and
Physical Training.
POSTRESIDENTIAL
Post-Residential begins immediately upon completion of the Residential Phase.
Activities during this phase will include regular contact with a pre-appointed mentor,
implementation of the Cadet's life plan (which is developed during the Residential
Phase), help in pursuing further education and stipend management. Mentoring is an
essential element of the Post Residential Phase. For further information contact
Appalachian Challenge Academy at (606) 574-0303 or toll free (855) 596-4927.
RESIDENTIAL
FUNDING
ChalleNGe is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and the State of Kentucky.
Operated by the National Guard Bureau Office of Public Affairs, ChalleNGe is a
Governor's Special Project under the Office of the Adjutant General. There are no fees
to participating youth. Acceptance is not based on income.
LOCATION
The Appalachian Challenge Academy located in Harlan, KY.
STAFF
The Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy employs a full-time staff of about fifty employees. The
Cadre provide 24-hour supervision of the Cadets as well as training in Leadership/Followership,
Physical Training and Community Service. The educational staff provides GED instruction, Life
Coping Skills and Job Skills. The Offices of Administration and Logistics further support the
Academy.
Volunteers play an active role at the Academy by serving on the ACA Advisory Council,
Chaplain, In-Processing Team, Guest Speakers, Literacy Volunteers and Booster
Committee. During the one-year follow-up program, volunteer mentors from their home
communities assist all Cadets. Mentors are a vital link between the Cadets, the Academy
and the Community during the transition period.
VOLUNTEERS