Program Description

The Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy is a residential program committed to improving the quality of life for 16 to 18 year old at-risk teens. In the residential phase, much of the Cadets’ time is spent in classrooms where preparing for the High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) testing is the priority. In addition to classroom instruction by licensed teachers, activities include anger management classes, character development curriculum, rappelling, ROPES courses, experiential activities, community service projects and leadership experiences.

During 12 month post-residential phase, graduates of the residential phase are matched with community volunteers (mentors) to assist with the continuation of personal growth and preparation for becoming a contributing citizen.

Cadets selected to attend the Challenge Academy are considered enrolled in the school district of residence for purposes of district equalization aid eligibility, special education responsibility, and revenue limit authority.

For further information, follow the links below.

Youth Challenge Academy home page. This contains information about youth challenge including information about the application process.

Information (revised 7/25/07)
Timeline (revised 7/25/07)
Statute

Financial Information

2001 Act 109 created a change in the funding mechanism for the Challenge Academy. As a result of the changes, school districts with Challenge Academy cadets must contribute a portion of the costs of students enrolled in the Challenge Academy from their district; §121.095 Wisconsin Statutes. That funding will serve as a 40% match for funding from the federal government. Provision is made for the district to count the cadets for equalization aid and revenue limit purposes.

The Department of Military Affairs (DMA) will calculate the average per pupil costs, as required under §21.26 (2) for the Challenge Academy based on actual costs (including the costs of special education services) and report those costs on a per pupil basis to the Department of Public Instruction by May 1. DPI will then reduce the June equalization aid payment of each participating school district by the number of cadets times the per pupil amount, or the district’s revenue limit per member, whichever is less.

August 30, 2002 Memo - Challenge Academy Funding MS Word document

August 30, 2002 Memo - Challenge Academy Funding

Youth Challenge Per-Pupil Payment History

2002-03 = $6,238.58
2003-04 = $6,417.75
2004-05 = $6,048.32
2005-06 = $7,226.57
2006-07 = $7,836.14
2007-08 = $6,256.66

Please call a finance consultant should you have questions.

For questions about this information, contact dpifin@dpi.wi.gov (608) 267-9114

Last updated on 11/11/2008 9:21:05 AM