More than 230 young people began this week the 22-week residential program of the Puerto Rico Youth ChalleNGe Academy, part of the National Guard, as Class 27-01 at Fort Allen in Juana Díaz. The intake process started on Sunday, November 1, with initial candidate evaluations, followed by an acclimation stage to familiarize participants with the academy’s rules, discipline and routines; members of Class 27-01 will remain in that stage before moving on to later phases of their training at Fort Allen.
During the program, participants will combine academic activities and physical conditioning with training in leadership, teamwork, emotional management, conflict resolution and community service. Puerto Rico’s adjutant general, Carlos Rivera Román, said in written statements that each young person accepted a challenge requiring discipline, commitment and perseverance, and that over the 22 weeks they will have the chance to discover their abilities and strengthen their character.
Academy director Matilde Almodóvar Acosta highlighted the personal development opportunities ahead. The academy serves young people ages 16 to 18 through a structured program offering chances to continue their education, gain skills and build habits tied to academic, work and personal goals.