Washington Youth Academy

The Washington Youth Academy (WYA), located in Bremerton, Washington, is a state-run residential program designed to help at-risk youth who have dropped out of high school or are at risk of doing so. Operating as part of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, the academy utilizes a quasi-military structure to provide a disciplined environment that emphasizes academic achievement, personal responsibility, and character development. The program is free of charge and open to 16-to-18-year-old residents of Washington who are motivated to turn their lives around.

The curriculum is split into a 22-week residential phase followed by a 12-month post-residential mentorship period. During the residential phase, cadets live on-site and focus on the "8 Core Components," which include academic excellence (allowing many students to earn their high school diploma or GED), life coping skills, physical training, and community service. By fostering a culture of teamwork and accountability, the Washington Youth Academy aims to provide students with the tools, structure, and confidence necessary to pursue higher education, vocational training, or meaningful careers upon graduation.