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Our History

South Carolina Youth ChalleNGe Academy was established in 1998 as a quasi-military structured educational program operated through the Office of the Adjutant General under the National Guard Bureau.

CORE VALUES

We are committed to the success of the youth of South Carolina.

We support the positive development of youth, families, and staff.

We consistently choose the right thing in actions and example.

We take ownership of responsibilities, successes, and failures.

We respect and appreciate all people.

MISSION

The Mission of South Carolina Youth ChalleNGe Academy is to empower and prepare youth to develop personal, academic, and career success through education, mentoring, and training.

SCYCA Staff

Academy
Director

LaToya Reed

LaToya Reed currently serves as the Director of the South Carolina National Guard Youth Challenge Academy under the Adjutant General’s Office.

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Youth ChalleNGe
Deputy Director

Ronnie Scott

Deputy Director Ronnie Scott is a native South Carolinian and alumni of Benedict College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.

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Job ChalleNGe
Deputy Director

Hoyt Bynum

Bynum is a 1993 graduate of Gardner-Webb University, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Sociology.
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Job Openings

If you align with our Mission and Core Values and would like an opportunity to work with the youth of South Carolina, you can find position vacancies at careers.sc.gov under the Adjutant General’s Office state agency. Look for positions with YC or JC in the title. Job openings will also be shared on our social media pages as vacancies are available.

Departments

RPM

The Recruitment, Placement, and Mentoring Department is the core of our administrative staff. This department handles the recruitment of candidates from across the state as well as administers the admissions process with candidates and their families. The RPM Department assists cadets during their residential and post-residential phases of Youth ChalleNGe by providing Case Managers and Volunteers, connecting and training Mentors, and following up with cadets through the Post-Residential Coordinator.

OPERATIONS

The Operations Department has 24/7 supervision over the Cadets with Cadre, Master Sergeants, a First Sergeant, and a Commandant implementing quasi-military structure, discipline, and values. Under the Operations Department guidance, cadets learn about personal responsibility, leadership and followership, military customs and courtesies, and physical fitness. cadets are expected to uphold a code of conduct during their residential phase and live by the following Cadet’s Creed.

EDUCATION

The Education Department ensures all cadets receive the educational services they need to meet their goals and complete program requirements. GED Ready, GED, and TABE testing are provided by the Education Department as well as IEP services, tutoring services, and high school credit options for eligible cadets.

CADET’S CREED

I am a South Carolina Youth ChalleNGe Academy cadet.
I will always conduct myself to bring credit to my family, country, school and the Corp of Cadets.
I am loyal and patriotic.
I am the future of the United States of America.
I do not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do.
I will always be accountable for my actions and deeds.
I will always practice good citizenship and patriotism.
I will work hard to improve my mind and strengthen my body.
I will stand prepared to uphold the constitution of the American way of life.
May I be granted the strength to always live by this creed.
HOOAH!

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PROGRAMS

Youth ChalleNGe

The Youth ChalleNGe Program is the first program of South Carolina Youth ChalleNGe Academy. Youth ChalleNGe provides the opportunity for learning through military-based training, discipline, and structure that is focused on job readiness and alternative educational approaches. The application of a caring and disciplined environment and the eight core components develops character, strengthens personal skills, and guides each cadet toward long-term productive citizenship. In addition to GED preparation and testing, personal skills such as impulse control, self-discipline and self-regulation, teamwork, follow-through, and persistence are taught in a 22-week residential setting.

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Job ChalleNGe

The Job ChalleNGe Program is an optional second program of South Carolina Youth ChalleNGe Academy that provides graduates of the Youth ChalleNGe Program with an opportunity to further their success with vocational training and career readiness through partnerships with technical colleges and vocational schools. All programs offered are 100% FREE to cadets and will be completed in a residential setting in 5 months or less.

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