News Release

D.C. National Guard RRB Partners with Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy to Support Local Youth
February 25, 2025 — Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith Jr., Command SEL for the D.C. National Guard, joined the Recruiting and Retention Battalion during the acclimation phase at the Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy, in Laurel, Md. The engagement supports the core components of the life intervention, dropout reintegration, and General Education Development (GED) preparatory program... MORE

Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith Jr., Command SEL for the D.C. National Guard, and members of the Recruitment and Retention Battalion participate in mentorship activities during the acclimation phase at the Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy, in Laurel, Md., on Jan. 13, 2025. The engagement supports the core components of the life intervention, dropout reintegration, and General Education Development (GED) preparatory program.

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)

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.