Battle Born Youth ChalleNGe Academy

Battle Born Youth ChalleNGe Academy is a military-based training program that includes activities in Life Coping Skills, Service to the Community, Academic Excellence, Physical Fitness, Health and Hygiene, Responsible Citizenship, Job Skills, and Leadership/Followership. The program includes physical training and is a multi-phased intervention program for at-risk youth run by the National Guard of the United States. A comprehensive support package, including appropriate clothing and residential training facilities, is provided to support these activities.

• Ages: 16–18 years old
• Schedule: Office hours Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; a five and a half month residential phase followed by a year-long mentoring relationship

The mission of Battle Born Youth ChalleNGe Academy is to reclaim the potential of qualified and resilient youth through education, training, and service to the community. The program includes a five and a half month residential phase followed by a year-long mentoring relationship and meets or exceeds national mentoring standards established by the National Mentoring Partnership. Leadership for the program includes Dr. Andre' L. Ponder, Program Director; Kyle O'Connell, Program Director; and Vince McLeod, Program Coordinator.

Service to the Community is one of the program’s specific activities, and the Battle Born Youth ChalleNGe Academy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation registered in the State of Nevada. Monetary donations to support the program can be sent to Nevada Youth Challenge Foundation, 1705 Rose Summit Ln, Reno, NV 89521.

Last updated January 5, 2026.