The Wisconsin Challenge Academy is an alternative education program that uses the military model to reclaim the lives of at-risk youth and produce graduates with the values, skills, education and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults. We are a State of Wisconsin program funded through both the state and federal government and serve students from across Wisconsin. Many of our employees have served in the military and enjoy the structure, although military experience is not a requirement for employment. We host two residential classes per year - January-June and July-December. The entire program is 17 1/2 months long and implemented in two phases: Residential and Post-Residential. The Residential Phase is 22 weeks and consists of a two-week period called Pre-Challenge that orients Candidates to the Challenge program environment by allowing them to adjust to the physical, mental and social discipline required to successfully complete the program. Those who successfully complete Pre-Challenge are accepted as Cadets. During the remainder of the Residential Phase Cadets experience a structured and disciplined schedule that focuses on developing their social, emotional, academic, and basic life skills. This is accomplished through the implementation of the Eight Core Components, the foundation of the Challenge program intervention model. Cadets complete the Residential Phase with the skills and values necessary for their successful transition and integration into adult society. In the 12-month Post-Residential Phase, graduates return to their communities to pursue education, employment, military, or volunteer opportunities. The goal of this Phase is for graduates to sustain and build on the gains made during the Residential Phase and pursue careers. Volunteer Mentors, matched with Cadets during the Residential Phase, play a critical role in ensuring their continued success and help youth transition from the structured environment to self-management.