Changing America One Youth at a Time
The Youth Challenge Program isn't for"bad kids", it's for young people who NEED direction in their lives. It's a place where they can learn to be responsible adults, leaders, and harvest the need to create a better future for themselves. If someone wants great results from this program they have to put forth the effort, the same rule applies in life.
YCP will put your feet on a much more solid footing and point you down a new path filled with enormous positive changes in your self-image and self-confidence, in your attitudes, habits and lifestyle, in your physical and mental health, and in your academic skill levels - hopefully culminating as a GED graduate in just 22 weeks. The vast majority of cadets that graduate from YCP walk the stage beaming with pride feeling significantly more motivated to pursue their dreams...
Absolutely loved going here. This place and those wonderful people saved my life and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Hard is an understatement but if you push through those first couple of weeks (especially the first day) it got easier, they broke you all the way down and built you back up as strong as they could make you.
Graduate from 2011-2 1st platoon lady jags. Best experience I've had , if I could do it again I would. My teacher was great , she really helped me improve my grades and passed my GED with flying colors and even got rewarded a scholarship for college. The cadre were tough on you, but after a while you learn to love them. It was a very tough thing to achieve , but the outcome when your back in the real world is bittersweet. Love love loved YCP, 2 thumbs up, will suggest sending a troublesome teenager.
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My husband went here 8 years ago and would do it all over again. He chose to join the program to better himself and he did. He's an amazing husband and loving father and I owe Y.C.P for that. He made memories and friends that still to this day he talks about. If you want to see a change in yourself or child, this is definitely the best choice. It will not be easy but neither is being an adult. They will teach you/or your child things that they will use the rest of their life.
Great program that changes lives, even AFTER cadets graduate. There is post-residential assistance. Cadets are not left to fend for themselves after graduation.
Louisiana Youth Challenge Program
Reclaiming the Lives of Louisiana's Youths
The Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program (YCP) is an alternative educational program that offers adolescents an opportunity to change their futures.
Offering a structured, military-style environment, YCP helps participants build discipline, leadership, and responsibility while earning their high school equivalency diplomas.
By focusing on academics, life skills, and personal growth, YCP provides a second chance for Louisiana’s youth to overcome challenges, discover their potential, and create a path toward success.
About Youth Challenge Program
Reclaiming the Futures of Louisiana's Youths
The Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program (YCP) is an alternative educational program that offers adolescents an opportunity to change their futures. Students looking for a way to succeed outside of a traditional school setting learn self-discipline, leadership, and responsibility while working to obtain a high school equivalency diploma.
The mission of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of 16 to 18 year old youths, producing program graduates with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens.
YCP-Gillis W. Long Center
Interview Schedule
more information
For Louisiana's Youth Under the Age of 16
If you're under the age of 16 and interested in joining the program in the future, you can pre-register now to stay connected. Pre-registering ensures you'll receive updates and be ready to apply when you become eligible. Get started today by clicking the button below!
