Washington Youth Academy

The mission of the Washington Youth Academy is to provide a highly disciplined, safe and professional learning environment that empowers at-risk youth to improve their educational levels and employment potential and become responsible and productive citizens of the State of Washington. The vision of the Washington Youth Academy is to provide at-risk youth a quality education, positive values, and life and job skills training that will change their lives and give them hope and opportunity for a new future. This is a FREE Life Intervention, Credit Recovery Progam and, for half a year, requires the cadet to live in housing we provide in Bremerton, Wash., but any resident of Washington state can attend.

The Washington Youth Academy is a division of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program. Established under authority of both federal and state law, the WYA is a state-run residential and post-residential intervention for youth who have dropped out of high school or are at risk of dropping out. The Washington Youth Academy is a quasi-military training and mentoring program for at-risk youth. The goal of the program is to give youth a second chance to become responsible and productive citizens by helping them improve their life skills, education levels, and employment potential.

The program incorporates a  highly-structured format, with an emphasis on student discipline and personal responsibility to provide a positive, safe and secure learning environment.

Putting Lives Back on Track

Program graduates can recover up to 8.0 credits (approximately 1.3 years of high school credits). Credits are approved by OSPI and taught by certificated teachers. The goal is to return graduates to their home high school to graduate on time with their peers.

The WYA includes a 22-week intensive residential phase and a 52-week (one year) post-residential phase where the youth receives intense mentoring and placement follow-up. A class cycle is 154 days, including up to 7 days for home pass and placement activities for the post-residential phase. Placement activities include job search, educational appointments, vocational/technical training, a return to high school classes or full-time volunteerism.
Program activities include academics, service to community, leadership, mentoring and personal development. A number of small unit training and educational enhancement activities supplement the program including an additional 7th period in the academic program to assist individuals in need of extra assistance and limited special education services.

The facility's address is 1207 Carver Street, Bremerton, WA 98312. Anyone from the state of Washington who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, permanent resident alien or green card holder may apply.

Now accepting applications for the Jan. 19, 2019 class. Cycle 19-1. Application Deadline: Dec. 1, 2018. Applications will continue to be accepted after the deadline, as space allows.

• Learn How to Apply here.
• Are you hearing about us for the first time? Start here by filling out this form. The admissions staff will contact you.

Learn about other states' Youth ChalleNGe programs here.

Youth Academy Foundation

The Washington Youth Academy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation registered in the State of Washington, EIN 26-2771686, which solely benefits the student cadets and operates a family and friends support group, among other services.  Learn more online http://www.wyafoundation.com/