A New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy Class 45 candidate

A New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy Class 45 candidate is measured during in-processing at the Joint Military and Family Assistance Center at the National Guard Armory in Bordentown, N.J., Oct. 3, 2016. During the next two weeks of the 22-week program, the candidates will undergo an acclimation phase where they will adjust to the program’s physical, mental and social discipline. The voluntary educational program provides 16 to 18 year-old high school dropouts a structured residential program in a quasi-military environment where they can earn a general education development diploma. Since 1994, more than 3,750 cadets have graduated from the New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Mark C. Olsen/Released)