WASHINGTON, DC (06/10/2016)(readMedia)-- A graduation ceremony for cadets from the D.C. National Guard's, Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy (CGYCA) will be in the Theater of the Arts at the University of the District of Columbia at 10 a.m. Saturday.What: Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe graduationWhen: 10 a.m. Saturday, June. 11Where: University of the District of Columbia, Theater of the Arts, 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20008The Honorable Robert R. Rigsby, Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Superior Court will give the graduation address.The CGYCA is designed to give teenagers who have not completed a regular high school program a second chance. The 22-week residential phase focuses on Graduation Equivalency Exam preparation courses, discipline, physical fitness and leadership.The cadets will move into 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 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 and led the 2016 Emancipation Day Parade.The DC Youth ChalleNGe Academy is offering 132 seats in the upcoming class. There is no cost for tuition, room and board, or meals. The start date for the next class is Monday, July 11, 2016. Interested candidates should apply by Friday, June 24, 2016. 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 or Staff Sergeant Aimee Fujikawa at 202-685-9693 or aimee.f.fujikawa.mil@mail.mil.

Posted Friday June 10, 2016 at 11:49 am by DC National Guard