North Carolina’s Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy is a quasi-military program providing high school dropouts or expellees an opportunity to develop the discipline and life skills necessary to be productive members of society.

The North Carolina National Guard sponsors two Tarheel ChalleNGe Academies located in Salemburg and New London, N.C. There are no military obligations for attending the Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy. Cadets are free to choose military service as one of their options, but are not required to do so.

Tarheel Academy falls under the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) and includes State Employees and contractors.

The Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy is a volunteer program. Anyone can recommend and assist cadets. However, an applicant must volunteer for the training and be motivated and committed to turning his/her life around through this “second chance.” There is no cost to the cadet or the cadet’s family other than personal items like toiletries.

For additional information please visit the NC Tarheel ChalleNGe website.