About
The Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy is designed to give academically challenged teens a second chance at obtaining their basic education. High School Diplomas are available for those who qualify under the Option 1 Pathway.
Mission
The mission of the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy is to train and mentor selected at-risk youth to become contributing members of society using the 8 Core Components in a quasi-military environment during a 22-week residential and one year Post-Residential follow-up program.
History
During the late 1980's, the Rockefeller Foundation identified the need in our country to provide opportunities for young people working to overcome problems in their lives that include educationally at-risk teens. 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 Youth ChalleNGe program began operating in 1993 under Public Law 102-484. West Virginia is proud to be one of the original programs.
State Director
Nickolas W. Lambruno
Mobile: 304-680-5821
nickolas.w.lambruno@wv.gov
