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National Guard Youth Challenge Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Oklahoma

Team Leader

Pryor, OK · On-site

$40K/yr

... Youth ChalleNGe Program (Thunderbird Challenge Program). Salary: $40000.00 Typical Functions ... national origin, or disability. Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open ...

State of Oklahoma

Temporary Team Leader

Pryor, OK · On-site

... Oklahoma Youth ChalleNGe Program (Thunderbird Challenge Program). Typical Functions * Under ... national origin, or disability. Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open ...

State of Oklahoma

Team Leader

Pryor, OK · On-site

$40K/yr

Monitor and supervise 35 to 45 youth (ages 16 to 18) in the Oklahoma Youth ChalleNGe Program ... national origin, or disability. Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open ...

Georgia

Cadre Worker - YCA Ft. Gordon

Augusta, ME · On-site

$19/hr

The purpose of the Georgia Youth Challenge Program (GaYCP)is to provide education, leadership ... a Georgia and national criminal records search, a pre-employment drug test (post-hire will be ...

ATA Services Inc

Cadre

Albuquerque, NM · Remote

$25/hr

Program Purpose: The New Mexico National Guard Job ChalleNGe Academy (Job ChalleNGe) is a free, voluntary 17-month alternative program for youth aged 17-20 that is available to graduates of New ...

ATA Services Inc

Cadre

Albuquerque, NM · Remote

$25/hr

Program Purpose: The New Mexico National Guard Job ChalleNGe Academy (Job ChalleNGe) is a free, voluntary 17-month alternative program for youth aged 17-20 that is available to graduates of New ...

Georgia

MG: Social Services

Marietta, GA

$68K/yr

... the Georgia Youth Challenge Program (GaYCP) is to provide education, leadership, character ... a Georgia and national criminal records search, a pre-employment drug test (post-hire will be ...

State of Nevada (NV)

HVACR SPECIALIST 2

Carson City, NV

$62K - $91K/yr

Performs related duties as assigned to support the continued success of the Youth Challenge Program ... All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief ...

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All JobsNational Guard Youth Challenge Program Jobs

National Guard Youth Challenge Program information

See salary details

$33.5K

$100.4K

$155.5K

How much do national guard youth challenge program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for national guard youth challenge program in the United States is $100,365.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $132,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between National Guard Youth Challenge Program vs Youth Counselor?

AspectNational Guard Youth Challenge ProgramYouth Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, background checkHigh school diploma or GED, relevant counseling certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentResidential program, structured military-style environmentSchool or community settings, counseling offices
Employer & IndustryU.S. National Guard, education and youth development

The National Guard Youth Challenge Program is a structured, military-style program aimed at at-risk youth, focusing on discipline, education, and life skills. Youth Counselors typically work in schools or community centers, providing guidance and support to young people. While both roles involve working with youth and require similar educational credentials, the Program emphasizes a structured, residential environment with a focus on discipline, whereas Youth Counselors often work in less formal settings providing counseling and mentorship.

What is the National Guard Youth Challenge Program?

The National Guard Youth Challenge Program is a voluntary, residential program designed to help at-risk youth between the ages of 16 and 18 get back on track academically and personally. The program focuses on discipline, education, physical fitness, and life skills, offering participants the opportunity to earn a high school diploma or GED. Over the course of 22 weeks, cadets participate in a structured environment, followed by a 12-month post-residential mentoring phase to support their continued success. The program is operated by the National Guard in partnership with state and local agencies across the United States.

What are some of the unique challenges staff members face when working with cadets in the National Guard Youth Challenge Program?

Staff in the National Guard Youth Challenge Program often work with at-risk youth who may have experienced academic struggles or personal hardships. This can present challenges such as building trust, addressing behavioral issues, and maintaining a supportive yet disciplined environment. Team members must collaborate closely to provide structure, mentorship, and encouragement, often adapting strategies to meet individual cadet needs. The work is highly rewarding but requires patience, resilience, and strong communication skills to foster positive outcomes for cadets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a National Guard Youth Challenge Program team member, and why are they important?

To thrive in the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, you need experience in youth mentorship, education, or counseling, often supported by a background in social work, teaching, or military service. Familiarity with behavior management systems, case management software, and CPR/first aid certification is commonly required. Leadership, patience, strong communication, and the ability to motivate and inspire at-risk youth are standout soft skills. These abilities are crucial for guiding participants toward academic, personal, and career success within a structured, supportive environment.
More about National Guard Youth Challenge Program jobs
What cities are hiring for National Guard Youth Challenge Program jobs? Cities with the most National Guard Youth Challenge Program job openings:
What states have the most National Guard Youth Challenge Program jobs? States with the most job openings for National Guard Youth Challenge Program jobs include:
What job categories do people searching National Guard Youth Challenge Program jobs look for? The top searched job categories for National Guard Youth Challenge Program jobs are:
National Guard Youth Challenge Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various National Guard Youth Challenge Program job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,365 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Youth Challenge Cadre I - Department of Military Affairs (Non-Merit)

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Fort Knox, KY • On-site

$42K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Advertisement Closes
8/5/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
2603316
Youth Challenge Cadre I - Department of Military Affairs (Non-Merit)
Pay Grade12
Salary
$42,945.76 Annually
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH FULL TIME ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY NON-CHAPTER 40.0 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
General Government Cabinet Department of Military Affairs
Location
114 Conroy Avenue, Building 5549
Fort Knox, KY 40121 USA
Description
The Bluegrass Challenge Academy is hiring six (6) Youth Challenge Cadre I positions that, at entry level,supervises and coordinates activities of cadets in the KY National Guard Youth Challenge Program.
Job duties include but are not limited to the following:
  • Observes and oversees the daily activities of youth in areas such as study time, meals, work details, physical trainings, etc.
  • Teaches physical and leadership/followership components of the program.
  • Mediates conflict as prescribed by policies and procedures.
  • Provides guidance and informal counseling to youth.
  • Ensures that counselors and shift supervisors are made aware of behavioral problems identified.
  • Conducts security checks and ensures safety and security of youth.
  • Identifies behavioral problems, maintains a log of observations and completes incident reports.
  • Performs inspections and demonstrates proper use of tools and equipment.
  • Supervises housekeeping functions.

Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION:High school graduate
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:NONE
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:NONE
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:NONE
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license prior to appointment in this classification. Must successfully complete the National Youth ChalleNGe Program Basic and Cadre courses and all other training required within the prescribed time-frame or at least within six months of appointment. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certificate(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certificate(s), or other credentials.
Working Conditions
Typically works in a residential or school based setting. At times may be required to work at off-site locations to facilitate various requirements. May be exposed to hazards and dangers associated with operating a motor vehicle while providing transportation services.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Crystal Simpson at crystal.l.simpson10.nfg@army.mil or 502-607-1541.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

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