National Guard YCP
Learn more about the National Guard Youth Challenge Program and its mission to assist the country’s at risk 16-18 year olds.
Learn MoreBecome a Cadet
Teens 16-18 years of age can apply to become a cadet in the TCA program. Applications can be completed and submitted online.
Apply TodayBecome a Mentor
Mentors are an integral key to success for cadets by guiding them to the next stage of their life. Apply today to help make a difference!
Apply Today
The
Mission of
Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy
To provide intervention and reclamation for 16-18 year old high school dropouts, produce program graduates with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens.
Why is TCA For Me?
PlayState Director Offers Fresh Start To At-Risk Youth
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the tca story
Salemburg
North Carolina’s first National Guard Youth Challenge Program began in the eastern part of the state in Sampson County. Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy officially opened their doors to Class 01 on March 28, 1994 and Class 62 began on Saturday, January 6, 2024. Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy – Salemburg has graduated more than six thousand youths from their program since its inception more than 25 years ago. To date, the ChalleNGe program in North Carolina has graduated more than 7000 youths since the establishment of the program in the state.
New London
With a dropout rate of 1 out of 5 high school students in North Carolina schools according to the National Center for Education Statistics, there was a recognized need for a second Youth Challenge Program site and New London was chosen. Work began on the facilities in the spring of 2015 and Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy – New London opened their doors to Class 01 on Sunday, November 15, 2015 and the first class of cadets graduated from the program on Thursday, April 21, 2016. The New London campus began Class 62 on April 13, 2024 and graduates from the New London site now total over 1000.
Kaley Caperton
National Guard Youth Foundation
Spokesperson
Kaley Caperton has been named the spokesperson for the National Guard Youth Foundation. Kaley has performed at the ChalleNGe Champions Gala in DC several times. She has also performed at the Louisiana, Georgia and California ChalleNGe galas, and National Guard events across the country. View her music video “Red, White and Beautiful” filmed at the Salemburg campus.
Would you like
a rewarding job
helping to redirect
at-risk youth?
Our positions include opportunities in education, dining facility, operations and administrative staff as well as other support positions. Staff members at TCA are employed with the state of North Carolina, Department of Public Safety earning state benefits and retirement. Open positions are announced on the Office of State Human Resources – North Carolina website and all applications are completed electronically. Click below to search our open positions.
SEARCH OPEN POSITIONS
Latest News
Salemburg Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy Family Day Class 63
Family Day is a big day for Cadets and their families. A spirited Drill and[…]
TCA Salemburg Class 63 In-Processing Day
Generally, in processing day is a day of reckoning for many candidates. For most, this[…]
TCA Salemburg Justice Academy
During the first week immediately after being cleared for physical activity, candidates are introduced to[…]
Testimonials
The lessons I learned helped me move forward in life, to obtain my GED, how to be squared away, and how to be patient. After graduation I joined the United States Navy and it has been the best decision I have made, thank you TCA.
Langston Avens
Quartermaster, US Navy
TCA Salemburg Class 43
As parents we are so grateful for all Tarheel Challenge Academy has taught our son. He is using his experience at TCA to make positive changes toward his goals of attending the Citadel and joining the United States Air Force.
Noelle Rasmussen
Mother, Cadet Paul Ratke
TCA New London Class 50
This program taught me discipline, gave me confidence, and showed me that anything worth having is worth fighting for. This program gave me a second chance and the ability to prove that I was not just another statistic.
Kristen Glass
MS Early Childhood Studies
TCA Salemburg Class 24
New London
215 N. Main Street
PO Box 6
New London, NC 28127
(704) 961-9662 Toll Free (844) 880-5206 Fax (704) 463-0122
Salemburg
600 NE Main Street
PO Box 39
Salemburg, NC 28385
(910) 525-5520 Toll Free (800) 573-9966 Fax (910) 525-5821