Oregon Youth Challenge Program

The Oregon Youth Challenge Program includes Oregon Youth Challenge High School. It has two phases: a 22-week residential phase and a 24-month post-residential phase. During the residential phase, participants focus on academic instruction, and the program also includes core components in academic excellence, leadership and followership, and service to the community.

Programs

• Oregon Youth Challenge High School — Two phases: a 22-week residential phase, then a 24 month post residential phase · Free for all participants. Participants focus on academic instruction in the residential phase and goals, objectives, and placement in the post residential phase.
• Core component: Academic excellence — Enhance education skills and motivation to continue self-improvement.
• Core component: Leadership & followership — Gain the skills to be a good follower and valued member of society; learn the traits of good leaders.

At a glance

• Current session: OYCP Graduation (Dec 9–Dec 9, 2026)
• General schedule: Two phases: a 22-week residential phase, then a 24 month post residential phase.
• Facility hours: Monday-Friday: 7:30am-4:00pm; Saturday: Closed; Sunday: Closed

About the provider

The program was founded in 1999 in Bend, Oregon, and has graduated nearly 7,200 cadets to date. It is Oregon’s only accredited statewide alternative high school and is described as free for all participants and an equal opportunity provider. The mission is to provide opportunities for personal growth, self-improvement, and academic achievement through a highly structured non-traditional environment that integrates training, mentoring, and diverse educational activities.

The program is free for all participants. It is described as an equal opportunity provider. Participants are accepted from all 36 counties in Oregon. The mission references academic achievement through a highly structured non-traditional environment.

What families say

“My son came home a different person after his few months there and he still looks back fondly on the time he spent there.” — Jaime Meyers, parent

“If I did not attend OYCP, I may not have been as lucky as I am now. They gave me the strength and the discipline I needed to succeed.” — Chad Mathews, graduate

“The study and attention they give our children is quality, not quantity. Their discipline is exemplary.” — Elena Ortiz Robles, parent

Last updated October 1, 2026.