SECOND CHANCES START HERE!
NJYCA is excited to welcome Class 63 in January 2027. The application process is now open.
Refer to the eligibility requirements, application process and required documents below.
Admissions
Eligibility Requirements
To be accepted into the New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy, prospective cadets must meet the following eligibility requirements.
VOLUNTEER
Prospective cadets must volunteer to attend and be physically and mentally capable of completing the program.
16-18 YEARS OF AGE
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and no older than 18 years of age on the first day of the program.
LEGAL RESIDENT
Prospective cadets must be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States. Applicants may reside in any state or territory.
SCHOOL STATUS
At-risk of not completing high school with their peer group. Eligible to enroll in high school courses (must have completed 8th grade).
LAW VIOLATIONS
The applicant must not be on parole, probation, or deferred disposition for other than juvenile offenses. Please note, juvenile offenses will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
DRUG FREE
Cadets will be drug-tested while enrolled in the Academy and will be discharged if they test positive for the presence of illegal drugs.
UNEMPLOYED
The applicant must be unemployed or underemployed.
HEALTH INSURANCE
The applicant must have proof of medical insurance coverage.
Application Process
Phase One
Review eligibility requirements above. Then complete the online Applicant Interest Form.
Phase two
Schedule an in-person tour. One of our Admissions Specialists will reach out and arrange a day and time for the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the applicant to tour our facility.
Phase three
Attend your tour. You will be given the first two parts (Parts A & B) of the application prior to attending and will turn them in at your tour, along with copies of other requested documents. The final two parts (Parts C & D) will be given to you at the end of the tour.
Phase four
Finalize your application. Schedule and attend the required medical appointments and submit the documentation. ALL PORTIONS of the application MUST be submitted before your application can be reviewed.
Phase five
Await a decision letter. Your application will be reviewed by our Admissions and Medical staff. Applicants may be Accepted, Waitlisted, Denied, or Deferred to a future class.
noteworthy
There is a high level of interest for admission to our Academy. Applicants receive decision letters in the order their application is finalized. Applicants do NOT have a reserved seat in the class until they receive a decision letter.
Required Documentation
Due to possible delays at government agencies, if you are considering applying to the Academy and do not have a valid county or state ID, social security card, or birth certificate available, we suggest you go ahead and apply for those now.
- For information on a state identification card:
https://www.nj.gov/mvc/license/nondriverid.htm - For information on replacing your social security card:
https://www.ssa.gov/number-card - For information on replacing your birth certificate:
https://vitalrecords.egov.com/CDC.VitalRecordsMVC.Web/Wizard/NJ/Municipality/SelectMunicipality
Additional Documentation Needed
- A copy of the Applicant’s Birth Certificate
- A copy of the Applicant’s Social Security Card
- A copy of the Applicant’s Health Insurance Card (Front and Back)
- Proof of the Applicant’s Citizenship/Legal Residency (‘Green Card’ or Legal Residency Status Paperwork)
- A copy of Parent/Guardian’s Driver’s License (if residing outside of New Jersey)
- A copy of the Applicant’s IEP/504 Plan (if applicable)
- A copy of the Applicant’s Expungement/Sentencing Paperwork (if applicable)
- Proof of Legal Guardianship (if applicable)
