About
Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy is a 22-week residential leadership academy for teens. It is a Youth Challenge facility sponsored by the California National Guard and the State of California. The program is free to attend and allows cadets to earn up to 65 high school credits during the residential session.
• Ages: 15–18 years old
• Schedule: 22-week residential program
• Price: Free to attend
Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy is described as Southern California's premier residential leadership academy for teens and states that its free program will help participants develop self-confidence, discipline, life skills, and education necessary to become successful and fulfill the potential they have within themselves. The program is a voluntary enrollment option for teens who are at risk of not graduating high school and is open to those who are 15 1/2 to 18 years old. The Youth Challenge facility has graduated more than 2,000 teenagers since 1998, and more than 1,700 have earned their GED or a high school diploma after attending the 22-week residential program. The national high school graduation rate is listed as 78%, while it is 72.5% in California. Sunburst is a secure facility where no drugs are accessible to cadets. Each applicant must complete a sports physical with a doctor prior to acceptance and submit a copy of their California ID, Birth Certificate, Social Security card, and school transcripts (official or unofficial) to evaluate eligibility. The leadership team includes Michael Scott, the First Sergeant of a National Guard boot camp for troubled teens. The program also provides continued support for cadets for 12 months beyond program graduation.
Last updated July 20, 2026.
• Ages: 15–18 years old
• Schedule: 22-week residential program
• Price: Free to attend
Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy is described as Southern California's premier residential leadership academy for teens and states that its free program will help participants develop self-confidence, discipline, life skills, and education necessary to become successful and fulfill the potential they have within themselves. The program is a voluntary enrollment option for teens who are at risk of not graduating high school and is open to those who are 15 1/2 to 18 years old. The Youth Challenge facility has graduated more than 2,000 teenagers since 1998, and more than 1,700 have earned their GED or a high school diploma after attending the 22-week residential program. The national high school graduation rate is listed as 78%, while it is 72.5% in California. Sunburst is a secure facility where no drugs are accessible to cadets. Each applicant must complete a sports physical with a doctor prior to acceptance and submit a copy of their California ID, Birth Certificate, Social Security card, and school transcripts (official or unofficial) to evaluate eligibility. The leadership team includes Michael Scott, the First Sergeant of a National Guard boot camp for troubled teens. The program also provides continued support for cadets for 12 months beyond program graduation.
Last updated July 20, 2026.
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