The Georgia Department of Defense operates two residential Youth Challenge Academies to help at risk youth, aged 16-18 earn their GED or high school diploma and develop the skills needed to become productive citizens. The YCA program provides a 22-week military -model approach with a focus on discipline, leadership, and life skills training. Over the course of more than three decades on instruction, the Georgia Youth Challenge Program has graduated students from 158 Georgia counties and four neighboring states.
Youth Challenge Academy Graduates may complete training at the Job Challenge Academy which offers training in vocational fields. The JCA is a 22-week post residential career skills training program that offers students credits or certificates in technical skills such as Phlebotomy, Cosmetology, Fork-Lift operations, or Manufacturing.