Welcome

Sgt. Shiloh Cumber, Freestate ChalleNGe Academy cadre, gives instructions to cadets for the in-processing day at Stark Recreation Center in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Edgewood Area, Maryland, on Jan. 21. 2024. The cadets learned call-and-response commands before moving to the next in-processing station. (Photo by Chazz Kibler)

Life is a ChalleNGe in many ways. Today’s youth have various life experiences, but in the end, so many realize the same results: they genuinely want more for themselves.

The Maryland Freestate ChalleNGe Academy (FCA) allows Maryland’s youth to improve their lives by providing quality leadership training and proven methods to become successful future leaders. The Maryland Freestate ChalleNGe is a premiere leadership academy. Descriptive words such as Tough, Demanding, No-Nonsense, Structure, Discipline, and Accomplishment define the FCA and lead our teenagers to future success!

The FCA aims to provide Maryland’s teenage community with academic resources, job skills, and life skills training coupled with an emphasis on positive values in a structured environment that will give them hope and opportunity to become productive citizens.

The FCA is a division of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program. Established under the authority of both federal and state law in 1993, the FCA is a state-run 17 ½ month residential and post-residential opportunity. The program is designed for teenagers between 15 and 18 years old.

The FCA is located in the Edgewood Area of the Aberdeen Proving Ground (South) in Gunpowder, Maryland. It serves students from around Maryland and accepts applications year-round. Classes are held twice each year, in January and July. The classes are continuous for 5 ½ months. Following the residential phase of the program (22 weeks), cadets must follow up by transitioning into the 12-month post-residential phase to complete the program.

The ChalleNGe program is an excellent opportunity for the youth to learn about themselves and challenge all their capabilities. It also provides an opportunity for them to build confidence in their accomplishments! The academy’s staff and personal mentors work diligently with cadets to ensure they maintain their track to success as they navigate their way into early adulthood. Our entire FCA staff looks forward to assisting all youth who wish to make a difference, both now and in the future.

We look forward to hearing from you.