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Eligibility and Admissions




Apply now to be considered for acceptance to the class beginning in July 2023. If selected, students will attend the 22-week residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville, Pa. (Lebanon County).

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​You May Qualify for Admission if You Are
  • Between 16 and 18 years of age on the first day of the Residential Phase. Applicants 15 years of age may be admitted with the Director's approval but are not eligible to take the GED®. Cadets who will turn 19 during the Residential Phase are eligible for admission. 
  • At risk of not graduating from high school, or no longer attending any school and has not received a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. 
  • A citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and Pennsylvania  
  • Not under indictment, or ever convicted of a felony (or any crime that would be a felony if perpetrated by an adult), and not currently on parole or probation for other than juvenile status offenses or misdemeanors. 
  • Willing to be free from the illegal use of drug or substances, alcohol, and tobacco products
  • Physically and mentally capable to fully participate with reasonable accommodations
  • Able to communicate sufficiently with program staff to participate safely in the program 

Other considerations are that you must: 

  • Volunteer to apply. You cannot be court-ordered to attend
  • Possess a desire to improve yourself and learn in a demanding environment
  • Be determined by the staff to be a good candidate for the program. Applicants must successfully complete the 2-week Acclimation Phase and be recommended to continue on to the 20-week Challenge Phase.  

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​How Cadets Benefit

KSCA’s structured environment reduces the hurdles faced by teenagers so they can focus on their academic progress, emotional well-being, and physical fitness improvement. The 22-week Residential Phase is a voluntary, coeducational academic experience offering cadets a chance to establish a clear path to success as they begin their transition into adulthood.

  • Provide a safe, secure and structured learning environment to help Cadets improve their academic standing
  • Coach and mentor Cadets in study skills, life skills and career readiness skills
  • Potential to earn basic career certifications related to Food Service and OSHA safety courses. 
  • Provide Cadets the tools and self-discipline to succeed as productive citizens
  • Guide and plan each cadet’s transition into the post-residency options of continued education or employment
  • Improve the intellectual, physical and mental stamina of each cadet
  • Cadets will live and learn in newly renovated barracks, classrooms and common spaces, to include a new multipurpose building with gymnasium, dining facility and medical office. 

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​Applying for Admission

Student application
By applying to the KSCA you are taking a big step in the direction of a brighter future. Our opening date for our inaugural class was July 16, 2022. We are excited to see the first class of Pennsylvania’s teens work to reset their lives and return to a path of success. The next class session will begin in July 2023. 

The admissions process will require a completed application with supporting documentation from the applicant's home school district, and an orientation plus interview of both the applicant and parent or guardian.

Please start the application process now to ensure you can meet the requirements for admission this summer. Please download and complete the fillable application or print it out and complete it in black ink.

Eligibility Requirements. Please verify you meet these and contact us with questions.
Request for Information. Reach out to us to begin our conversation! 
Application Form. Download and complete this fillable pdf, then submit to us.  

Please send the completed application by Email: RA-MVPACHALLENGE@pa.gov, or mail to: 

Admissions Department
Keystone State Challenge Academy
Bldg. 7-14 Fort Indiantown Gap 
Annville, PA 17003 


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"If I was back at home, I probably still would have bad grades. Here at the Youth Academy, the Cadre really care about you and they push. We've built really strong relationships here, and at a normal High School you don't do that."
-Shantelle, Washington Youth Challenge Academy Student

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Learn more today!
Email or call us to talk more!
 Email: RA-MVPACHALLENGE@pa.gov
 Call: 717-861-8437, 717-861-2953, or 717-861-8212

Keystone State Challenge Academy, Bldg 7-6, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003

 
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