The Washington Youth Academy (WYA) 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 program for 16-18 year olds who have dropped out of high school or are at risk of dropping out. It is not "boot camp"; 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.
You and your son or daughter can set up an informational tour by contacting the academy directly or go to the website for more information.