CAMP BLANDING —The Florida National Guard has made the decision to permanently close the Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy, a popular-community based program that has changed the lives of many at-risk young adults.

In an announcement, the National Guard said the decision to close the 25-year-program "was not made lightly. As the operational demands on the Florida National Guard continue to grow, it is critical that we refocus our resources on our primary mission sets, particularly in today's dynamic and increasingly challenging operational environment. Our Soldiers and Airmen are busier and more called upon than ever before, making it essential that we are ready and able to successfully execute our dual mission - supporting our national defense strategy and protecting the lives and property of Floridians when they need us most."

They added that leadership felt it was time to end the program and refocus on the primary mission.

The award-winning program has been recognized as one the nation’s most effective and cost-efficient initiatives for targeting youth who are at the greatest risk for substance abuse, teen pregnancy, delinquency and criminal activity. The program leads, trains and mentors 16–to-18-year-old high school dropouts, leading them to become productive citizens.

During the process, they learn the value of hard work, leadership, self-discipline, respect, moral and ethical standards and military customs to advance to the second phase of the program—the credit recovery program and their high school diplomas.

The program takes 17½ months, with the final 5½ as a residential cadet at Camp Blanding, which closely resembles military boot camp. Since opening in 2001, the state branch has graduated more than 5,000 students.

The school will officially close after its 50^th class graduates in June.