Frequently Asked Questions

Battle Born Youth ChalleNGe Academy (BBYCA), like all ChalleNGe programs is voluntary. While your child does not need to be over-the-moon excited to attend, he/she must be willing. Our Cadets are not incarcerated and will not be treated as such; we can not and will not keep them here against their will.

BBYCA is a voluntary program; however, we do not easily give up on Cadets once they have been accepted. There will be a multi-step intervention plan to redirect behaviors and address Cadet needs so that they are more likely to stay.

Unfortunately, the age restrictions are non-negotiable. Your child may start the application process prior to turning 16, but he/she cannot attend until their 16 th birthday or after.

Unfortunately, the age restrictions are non-negotiable. Your child is not eligible to attend BBYCA unless he/she is 16, 17, or 18 on the first day.
 

We understand some applicants may not currently be living a drug-free lifestyle, and we still encourage them to apply. We have a zero-tolerance policy for drug use while at the Academy, and Candidates and Cadets must be willing to be drug-free while they are with us. Urinalysis drug screens will be used once your son/daughter has had the opportunity to “get clean.”

Except for unforeseen circumstances, you will see him/her twice during the 22-week residential phase. We will have a Family Day on campus on or around week 10, and you will pick up your child for a 4-day pass later in the program (over Memorial Day or Thanksgiving weekends, depending on the cycle). Details will be shared at the beginning of each cycle.
 

Nevada has only one ChalleNGe program. The campus is in Carlin, NV.
 

Your child may apply as long as he/she has a Nevada address and a person in Nevada who is willing to accept responsibility for him/her in the event of an emergency, prolonged illness, or dismissal.

The more mail the better!!! We encourage you to write each other as frequently as possible. Mail is passed in the evenings, and Cadets are required to open mail in front of a staff member to ensure there is no contraband inside the envelope. Pictures will be reviewed for appropriateness, but mail will not be read or censored. Please keep in mind that interference with the mail is a Federal offense, so your child will be allowed to send and receive mail from anyone unless there is a court order saying otherwise.

Phone calls are earned weekly, and duration is up to 20 minutes depending on your child’s rank and any disciplinary actions. Your child will be allowed to call whomever they wish or may split his/her
time between calls.

In most cases, yes. Food allergies and other dietary restrictions must be disclosed during the application process so that our Food Services Manager has time to plan accordingly. Vegetarian, food allergies/sensitivities, and pork-free diets are all easily accommodated. Please note that medical documentation will be required for food allergies or sensitivities.
 

Yes. Individual Education Plans, 504 Accommodations, Behavior Improvement Plans, and/or Full and Individual Evaluations must be submitted during the application process so that our Principal and Special Education teacher have time to plan accordingly.

No. We will likely have military recruiters as guest speakers at some point in the cycle, but there is no obligation for your child to speak with them or pursue enlistment. Each Cadet will take the ASVAB; however, it is used primarily as a career exploration tool as opposed to a step for enlistment.
 

That depends on your child, his/her academic history, and his/her progress at the Academy. Classes are online and self-placed. As such, Cadets will earn credits at different rates. If your child is within 5 or 6 credits of completing a diploma, chances are good he/she will earn it if they don’t waste time in the classroom.

Most Cadets will earn credits and return to their home campuses on track and with the mindset to succeed at earning a diploma with their classmates.

Selected cadets will take the HiSet (high school equivalency) test. Passing the test and earning their equivalency is the ideal situation for the older students who are further behind on credits.
 

Your child’s mentor is instrumental in his/her success after leaving the program. The mentor is responsible for maintaining a relationship with your child and holding him/her accountable to the goals he/she set while at the Academy. The mentor serves as another caring adult in your child’s life and will stay in contact with BBYCA staff for a full year following graduation from the residential phase.


Your child will not be accepted to the Academy without a mentor. Please speak with your BBYCA Admissions Specialist for ideas on finding a mentor.

In most cases, yes. After Acclimation, Cadets will be allowed to have a religious text of their choosing. There will be quiet time most evenings, and a couple of hours each Sunday devoted to reflection. Local religious leaders will be invited to come to campus during the Sunday reflection time, and your child may participate in this worship if they so choose.

Any accommodations your child may need regarding head coverings, facial hair, or additional time for prayers should be addressed during the application process, and there is no guarantee the accommodations will be made.
 

All applicants must be eligible to enroll in high school level coursework, this means they MUST have completed 8th grade and be eligible for promotion to 9th. In this case, please provide a middle-school transcript.

If your child lacks a transcript because he/she has been homeschooled, please contact our principal during the application process. Your child may be required to take a placement test in order to determine eligibility.