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Florida Youth Challenge Academy closes after 25 years with final graduation ceremony

The Florida National Guard’s Youth Challenge Academy, an alternative program serving at-risk teenagers aged 16 to 18, held its last graduation at Camp Blanding in Starke, marking the end of the program after a quarter century. The ceremony honored Class 50, the final residential cohort of high school dropouts trained and mentored through the program. Officials announced earlier this year that growing demands on the National Guard prompted leadership to shut down the program and redirect its resources.

Sources: WCJB TV20