FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• How Much Does the Program Cost?
  5. The program is completely tuition-free.

• Is There an Age Limit?

  5. To be eligible for the New Mexico Youth ChalleNGe Academy:

  6. Students must turn 16 before the end of the Residential Phase

  7. Students cannot turn 19 before the start of the class

• When Does the Next Class or Cycle Begin?
  • NMYCA runs two cycles per year: one begins mid-January and graduates mid-June, and another begins mid-July and graduates mid-December.

• How Long is the Program?

  5. The New Mexico Youth ChalleNGe Academy is a 29½-month program that includes two key phases:

  6. Residential Phase (22 weeks):
     Cadets live on campus and participate in a structured, military-style environment focused on academics, discipline, physical fitness, and life skills.

  7. Post-Residential Phase (24 months):
     After graduation, each cadet enters a two-year follow-up phase where Case Managers and Graduate Coordinators maintain contact:

     • Monthly check-ins during the first year

     • Quarterly check-ins during the second year

  5. This continued support helps ensure cadets stay on track with their education, employment, or other positive life paths.

• Can Cadets Have Visitors While Attending the Program?

  5. Yes. Visitation days are scheduled in advance for each cycle. Once a cadet is accepted into the program, families will receive the specific visitation dates.

     Please note:

  6. Families are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the Academy on visitation days.

  7. Cadets are not permitted to receive visitors outside of these scheduled dates.

  5. For more information, please contact our Admissions Team or refer to the Cadet & Parent Handbook.

• Can Cadets Send and Receive Mail While at the Academy?

  5. Yes. Mail is delivered to cadets Monday through Friday.

     During the Acclimation Phase (the first two weeks of the Residential Phase), candidates are allowed to receive mail only. Once they successfully complete this phase and become cadets, they may begin sending mail as well.

  5. Mailing Address:
     New Mexico Youth ChalleNGe Academy
     131 Earl Cummings Loop
     Roswell, NM 88203

  5. We strongly encourage frequent, positive messages from family and friends—mail is a great motivator and morale booster!

• What Are the Education Options for Cadets at NMYCA?

  • High School Equivalency & Credit Recovery
    Cadets under 16 when they join the Academy participate in online credit recovery courses to earn high school credits. These courses are supervised to keep cadets focused and engaged. Cadets aged 16 and older can choose to continue earning high school credits through our credit recovery program or work toward their HiSET certification. Our Education Coordinator works closely with each cadet to create a personalized plan that fits their educational goals.

    Vocational Program
    Every cadet at NMYCA is enrolled in a Vocational-Technical Certificate Program, offered in partnership with Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell. Graduating cadets earn college credits for completing these courses, helping them advance their skills and career readiness.

• Can a NMYCA Graduate Return to High School After Completing the Academy?
  5. Yes. Cadets who complete NMYCA without earning their HiSET or high school diploma may choose to return to high school. However, acceptance is determined by the individual high school. 
  5. NO. Cadets who earn their HiSET or high school diploma while at the Academy are not eligible to return to high school. These graduates are encouraged to continue their education through college coursework.

• Is the HiSET or High School Credential Guaranteed?
  5. NO.  Cadets must successfully pass the standardized HiSET exam to earn their HiSET credential or complete all required coursework during credit recovery to receive their high school diploma.

• Does the Program Have Medical Staff?
  5. YES. Our medical team is dedicated to keeping cadets healthy and ensuring they can fully participate in all activities during the Residential Phase. To support this, it’s essential that families provide complete and accurate health information.

• Are Cadets Required to Join the Military if They Attend NMYCA?
  5. NO.  Cadets are neveer pressured or required to enlist in any branch of the military. 

• Can an Applicant on Probation Still Attend NMYCA?
  5. YES.  Applicants on probation for minor juvenile offenses may qualify to attend. However, those with pending court hearings or unresolved judgments are not eligible.

• Are Cadets Allowed to Use Tobacco?
  5. NO.  The Academy is a strict tobacco, drug & alcohol free environment.

• Will Cadets be Drug Tested?
  5. YES.  Random drug testing is conducted at the Academy’s discretion. 

• Is There a Dress Code?
  5. YES. Each cadet is issued uniform clothing, which they will be required to wear.

• Can Cadets Have Cell Phones or Other Electronics?
  5. Cadets are required to bring their personal cellphones and chargers when they arrive at the Academy as part of their classes for the Post Residential Phase.
  5. Phones are collected and secured by NMYCA staff and only given to cadets during designated class times.
  5. Around mid-cycle, cell phones are sent home.
  5. Cadets are only allowed to have items listed on the approved packing list provided upon acceptance—no other electronics are permitted.

• Have More Questions?
  • Feel free to send us a message on Facebook or reach out to the NMYCA Admissions team for more information.