About
The Oregon Youth Challenge Program includes activities such as job searches, writing resumes, filling out employment applications, and learning how to conduct oneself during an interview. The program also includes military style PT, running, organized sports, and volunteering at community projects and agencies.
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30am–4:00pm; 22-week residential phase followed by a 24-month post-residential phase
• Price: The program is free for all participants.
The Oregon Youth Challenge Program was established in 1999 by the Oregon National Guard. Its mission is to provide opportunities for personal growth, self-improvement and academic achievement among Oregon high school dropouts, teens no longer attending and those failing in school, through diverse educational activities. The first phase is a 22-week residential phase where cadets live on site focusing on academic instruction, followed by a 24-month post-residential phase. OYCP is Oregon’s only accredited statewide alternative high school and is one of more than 40 programs in 28 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. To date, OYCP has graduated nearly 6500 cadets from across the State of Oregon, and this institution is an equal opportunity provider.
The leadership team includes Director Frank Tallman, Deputy Director Steve Wolfe, Company Commander Larry DeMarr, Platoon 2 Supervisor Anthony Key, Platoon 3 Supervisor Hunter Marksberry, Platoon 4 Supervisor Stephanie Howard, Counselors Jaime Bowen, Maria Lucero, Connie Morgan, Case Managers Selena Clemens, Sasha Greenberg, Scott Lawrence, RPM Supervisor David Sutterfield, Admissions Counselors Deanna Anguilla and Lori Witty, Information Systems Manager Jim Calice, Principal Jeff Duckett, S2C and Logistics Coordinator Eduardo Garcia-Flores, Purchasing/Procurement staff member Sue Trummel, Budget Officer Michelle Maguire, and Training Coordinator David Nolte.
Service to the community is part of the program, with a focus on developing an understanding of the benefits and value gained through volunteering at community projects and agencies. The program incorporates best practices in positive youth development from a combination of educational and military models and includes eight core components that build critical life skills. OYCP continues to work with program participants for one year after they graduate from the residential phase.
Parent and graduate feedback includes comments such as, “My son came home a different person after his few months there and he still looks back fondly on the time he spent there,” from parent Jaime Meyers. Graduate Chad Mathews stated, “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.” Parent Elena Ortiz Robles said, “The study and attention they give our children is quality, not quantity. Their discipline is exemplary.”
Last updated August 1, 2026.
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30am–4:00pm; 22-week residential phase followed by a 24-month post-residential phase
• Price: The program is free for all participants.
The Oregon Youth Challenge Program was established in 1999 by the Oregon National Guard. Its mission is to provide opportunities for personal growth, self-improvement and academic achievement among Oregon high school dropouts, teens no longer attending and those failing in school, through diverse educational activities. The first phase is a 22-week residential phase where cadets live on site focusing on academic instruction, followed by a 24-month post-residential phase. OYCP is Oregon’s only accredited statewide alternative high school and is one of more than 40 programs in 28 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. To date, OYCP has graduated nearly 6500 cadets from across the State of Oregon, and this institution is an equal opportunity provider.
The leadership team includes Director Frank Tallman, Deputy Director Steve Wolfe, Company Commander Larry DeMarr, Platoon 2 Supervisor Anthony Key, Platoon 3 Supervisor Hunter Marksberry, Platoon 4 Supervisor Stephanie Howard, Counselors Jaime Bowen, Maria Lucero, Connie Morgan, Case Managers Selena Clemens, Sasha Greenberg, Scott Lawrence, RPM Supervisor David Sutterfield, Admissions Counselors Deanna Anguilla and Lori Witty, Information Systems Manager Jim Calice, Principal Jeff Duckett, S2C and Logistics Coordinator Eduardo Garcia-Flores, Purchasing/Procurement staff member Sue Trummel, Budget Officer Michelle Maguire, and Training Coordinator David Nolte.
Service to the community is part of the program, with a focus on developing an understanding of the benefits and value gained through volunteering at community projects and agencies. The program incorporates best practices in positive youth development from a combination of educational and military models and includes eight core components that build critical life skills. OYCP continues to work with program participants for one year after they graduate from the residential phase.
Parent and graduate feedback includes comments such as, “My son came home a different person after his few months there and he still looks back fondly on the time he spent there,” from parent Jaime Meyers. Graduate Chad Mathews stated, “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.” Parent Elena Ortiz Robles said, “The study and attention they give our children is quality, not quantity. Their discipline is exemplary.”
Last updated August 1, 2026.
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