The Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy... is a 17-month program for at-risk youth ages 16 years 9 months through 18. Academy cadets complete a 22-week residential phase during which the cadets can earn their High School Equivalency Diploma and change their outlooks and viewpoints on life and character. During the 22-week residential phase cadets learn to put together a Post-Residential Action Plan (PRAP) with the help of staff members assigned to each cadet. This plan will give them a road map for their future. Following the residential phase each cadets participates in a 12-month post-residential phase where the cadets go on to jobs, post-secondary education, or military service. During the post-residential phase the cadets meet regularly with their adult mentors and work to put into service the values and concepts learned during their 22-week schooling. The most important aspect of a cadet is the desire to change one’s life .