News Release

CGYCA Class 63 Celebrates New Milestones
December 16, 2024 — Cadets of the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy Class 63 receive their diplomas upon completion of a 22 week-long “quasi-military" course, during a residential phase commencement ceremony at the University of the District of Columbia, Dec.13, 2024. Since 2013, the mission of the program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth, and produce program graduates with the values, skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults... MORE

Cadets of the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy Class 63 receive their diplomas upon completion of a 22 week-long “quasi-military" course, during a residential phase commencement ceremony at the University of the District of Columbia, Dec.13, 2024. Since 2013, the mission of the program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth, and produce program graduates with the values, skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults.

CGYCA hosts Battle of the Beltway
June 21, 2024 — Cadets embraced the importance of teamwork and competition during Battle of the Beltway, June 18, at the Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy (CGYCA) in Laurel, Md. Teams representing the Maryland Freestate ChalleNGe Academy and the CGYCA competed in five activities for a title and bragging rights... MORE

Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy (CGYCA) and Maryland Freestate ChalleNGe Academy cadets compete in Battle of the Beltway, in Laurel, Md., June 18, 2024. Cadets competed against each other in five categories to include an obstacle course, drill and ceremony, basketball, kickball, and physical fitness. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

CGYCA partners with D.C. Commission on Black Men and Boys to repair ‘community villages and pipelines’
May 6, 2024 — Representatives from the Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy attend and speak during a D.C. Commission on Black Men and Boys meeting in Washington, D.C, April 30, 2024. The commission seeks solutions to disparities affecting Black men and boys in the District to include social conditions, crime and incarceration rates... MORE

Representatives from the Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy attend and speak during a D.C. Commission on Black Men and Boys meeting in Washington, D.C, April 30, 2024. The commission seeks solutions to disparities affecting Black men and boys in the District to include social conditions, crime and incarceration rates.

Cupcakes and Conversations offers engagement, vision boards and next steps for the future
March 25, 2024 — The CGYCA's Cupcakes and Conversations provides a space for one-on-one engagements with prominent civic leaders and professionals... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. Tracy Winborne, senior enlisted leader, 201st Airlift Squadron, District of Columbia Air National Guard, and Johnnie Scott-Rice, chairperson, National Congress of Black Women, serve as guest speakers for the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy’s monthly Cupcakes and Conversations, March 21, 2024. Cupcakes and Conversations provides a space for one-on-one engagements with prominent civic leaders and professionals.

'Class of many firsts': CGYCA Class 61 grads earn scholarships and admission into UDC
January 2, 2024 — Cadets of the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy Class 61 receive their diplomas upon completion of a 22 week “quasi-military" course, during a residential phase commencement ceremony at the University of the District of Columbia, Dec. 29, 2023. Since 2013, the mission of the program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth, and produce program graduates with the values, skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults... MORE

Cadets of the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy Class 61 receive their diplomas upon completion of a 22 week long “quasi-military" course, during a residential phase commencement ceremony at the University of the District of Columbia, Dec. 29, 2023. Since 2013, the mission of the program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth, and produce program graduates with the values, skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults.