Lincoln’s ChalleNGe Academy:

Lincoln’s ChalleNGe Academy is a quasi-military structured education program for Illinois youth 15 1/2 to 18 years old. It offers a safe residential environment with a life skills and character-building curriculum for an opportunity to help change their future for the better. LCA uses a holistic approach to help cadets become responsible and productive members of their communities. Cadets have the opportunity to gain positive values, receive job skill certifications, and academic credentials, and learn life skills to help them better prepare themselves. They use skills in the 12-month Post Residential Phase as they follow their life plan, work with their mentor, and continued support from the academy. LCA is a voluntary program. Cadets are not court-ordered or placed in the program. It is a choice they make to change the direction of their lives.