FORT DIX, NJ - Placement tests will be held on January 25 and February 15, at 9 AM, at Fort Dix for admission to the New Jersey National Guard Challenge Youth Class 18, which starts March 9.

The New Jersey National Guard Challenge Youth Program is a 17-month military style program, which includes a 22-week rigorous residential phase, located at Fort Dix, and a 12-month post residential phase.  The program is for New Jersey youth who are high school dropouts between the ages of 16½ to 18.  The goal of the Challenge Youth Program is to give students a second chance through a combination of a GED Curriculum, life skills, leadership and employment training.

The Challenge Youth Program is not a “boot camp.”  Each student's curriculum is made up of eight core components: leadership and followership, community service, job skills, life-coping skills, educational excellence, responsible citizenship, health education, and physical fitness.

Applicants must have eighth grade reading and math levels (verified by a placement test), be a legal resident of New Jersey; be between the ages of 16½ -18 (cadets can turn 19 while in the program); be drug and alcohol free, enter the program voluntarily, and must be free from legal involvement; including probation.

Individuals interested in the program should contact Donald Alexander at (609) 562-0577 at the New Jersey National Guard Challenge Youth Program at Fort Dix.  For more information about the program, you can also access the New Jersey National Guard Challenge Youth Program Homepage at: www.nj.gov/military/challenge/