Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy, Class 49 completes residential phase

WASHINGTON, DC (06/23/2017) (readMedia)-- The District of Columbia National Guard's Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy will hold its completion ceremony for the 29 cadets of Class 49 at the University of the District of Columbia's Theater of the Arts, June 24, 2017 at 10 a.m.

WHAT: Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe graduation

WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 24

WHERE: University of the District of Columbia, Theater of the Arts, 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20008

Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr., At-Large member of the Council of the District of Columbia, will give the commencement address.

The CGYCA is designed to give teenagers who have not completed a regular high school program a second chance. The completion ceremony marks the end of the 22-week residential phase which focused on Graduation Equivalency Exam preparation courses, discipline, physical fitness and leadership.

The Cadets will now begin the 12-month post-residential phase, which gives support through job-hunting, college admission and attendance, military service or other options open to the students.

Cadets in the residential phase also participated in extracurricular activities to foster their education, discipline and job exploration. One popular club taught critical thinking skills through 3D design and modeling, using a 3D printer. Other opportunities include community service, yearbook, drama, student government, football, basketball and soccer. The CGYCA Honor Guard has developed a reputation in the community and has presented colors at D.C. Government ceremonies.

The DC Youth ChalleNGe Academy is offering seats in the Fall 2017 class. There is no cost for tuition, room and board, or meals. The requirements for the program are as follows:

(1) 16-18 years old

(2) Must be a US Citizen or legal resident of the United States and the District of Columbia

(3) Not currently on parole or probation for anything other than juvenile offenses

(4) Physically and mentally capable to participate

(5) Young Adults that are truant dropped out or are in the process of dropping out of high school.

To enroll in the DC Youth ChalleNGe Academy, visit www.cgyca.org or call 202-730-1579 or email: info@cgyca.org.

For more information contact D.C. National Guard Public Affairs Office, point of contact Maj. Byron Coward at 202-492-9518 or byron.b.coward.mil@mail.mil.