ChalleNGe Academy inducts new cadets

By Rachel Ponder APG NewsFebruary 6, 2015

ChalleNGe Academy inducts new cadets
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD: The Maryland National Guard Freestate ChalleNGe Academy inducted 108 cadets into Class #44 during a crossover Ceremony at the APG South (Edgewood) recreation center Jan. 26.

The Freestate ChalleNGe Academy gives Maryland teens who have withdrawn from high school a unique opportunity: a second chance at an education. For 22 weeks, cadets ages 16-18 voluntarily live in the academy's residential program -- a structured, disciplined, military-style environment.

The crossover ceremony came just two weeks after 115 candidates were in-processed and began the acclimation phase of the FCA program, during which time the teens adjust to their new environment, rigorous schedule and a complete technology and smartphone blackout.

At the end of the two weeks, the teens must decide if they want to stay in the program. Those who elected to continue were inducted as cadets.

During their stay at FCA, cadets are provided with academic, job and lifeskills training that will prepare them for success after they leave FCA. The five-month residential portion of the program is followed by a year-long post residentialphase.

At the crossover ceremony, FCA Director Charles Rose advised the cadets to use their time wisely while in the program. He said all the cadets will have the opportunity to take the General Education Development (GED) test at the end of the cycle, at no cost to the cadet.

In addition to the GED all cadets will take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery a multiple aptitude test that measures abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. Rose noted that many FCA staff members have served in the military.

"You are going to have that opportunity to learn and to grow and to understand what it means to be productive and successful," Rose said.

Class #44 is the first in which cadets will have the opportunity to go off post for vocational training. The FCA has partnered with the National Center on Institutions and Alternatives (NCIA) to provide vocational training in horticulture, culinary arts, automotive, barbering and cosmetology for 20 weeks, for 40 cadets.

"Today is the first day of your successful and productive life," Rose said. "We are here to help you at any time."

FCA Assistant Director Charles Holloway told the teens that they have to be relentless in pursuit of their dreams and become "addicted to success."

"For some of you it wasn't easy to let go of old habits," Holloway said. "But you got to this point."

Holloway encouraged the cadets to learn from their failures and use that experience to grow.

"Believe me, you have enough staff here that are willing to support you," he said. "But you do have staff here that will never enable you, won't let you slide when we think you haven't put forth enough effort. We are in the business of building successful young men and women."

After the induction, the cadets received congratulations from FCA staff members. Then, they lined up and marched outside in falling snow to take the Freestate ChalleNGe Academy Honor Code. The code is meant to guide their actions while they attend the academy. They pledge to live honestly, respectfully, and to be good representatives of FCA.

After the ceremony Cadet Lawrence Reeves said he is keeping his eye on the prize, obtaining a GED and graduating from FCA.

I am looking forward to the future," he said. "After I graduate from FCA I want to pursue a career in IT [information technology.]

For more information about the FCA program, visit http://www.mdmildep.org/fca/.

For more coverage of the Maryland National Guard Freestate ChalleNGe Academy Class #44, check out the Jan. 15 issue of APG News at www.teamapg.com/APGNews

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