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Youth Challenge Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Oregon

Group Life Coordinator x3

Bend, OR · On-site

$4K - $5K/wk

What You Will be Doing The Oregon Youth Challenge Program is an intensive alternative High School for "At Risk" 16-18-year-old Oregon dropouts. The program is funded, directed and sponsored by the ...

State of Oklahoma

Temporary Team Leader

Pryor, OK · On-site

Under administrative supervision monitors and supervises 35 to 45 youth (ages 16 to 18) in the Oklahoma Youth ChalleNGe Program (Thunderbird Challenge Program) * Maintains accountability of assigned ...

State of Oklahoma

Team Leader

Pryor, OK · On-site

$40K/yr

Under administrative supervision monitors and supervises 35 to 45 youth (ages 16 to 18) in the Oklahoma Youth ChalleNGe Program (Thunderbird Challenge Program) * Maintains accountability of assigned ...

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 (Thunderbird Challenge Program). Essential Functions: * Under administrative supervision monitors and ...

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How much do youth challenge program jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for youth challenge program in the United States is $54,135.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $64,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the Youth Challenge Program?

The Youth Challenge Program (YCP) is a voluntary, residential program for at-risk youth, typically ages 16 to 18, that aims to help them earn a high school diploma or equivalent while developing life skills, discipline, and employment potential. Sponsored by the National Guard, the program offers a structured environment, academic instruction, physical training, and mentoring over a 17- to 22-week residential phase, followed by a year-long post-residential mentoring phase. YCP focuses on helping participants improve their academic standing, learn leadership and teamwork, and prepare for future success in education, employment, or military service.

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

To excel as a Youth Challenge Program Instructor, you typically need experience in education, counseling, or military service, along with a high school diploma or higher education and relevant certifications. Familiarity with behavior management systems, educational software, and safety protocols is often required. Strong leadership, patience, and effective communication are essential soft skills for mentoring and motivating at-risk youth. These skills are crucial for creating a structured, supportive environment that fosters personal growth and positive outcomes for participants.

What are some common challenges faced by staff in the Youth Challenge Program, and how can they be addressed?

Staff in the Youth Challenge Program often work with at-risk youth who may have experienced trauma, academic struggles, or behavioral issues. One of the main challenges is building trust and rapport with participants while maintaining appropriate boundaries and authority. Effective communication, ongoing training in trauma-informed care, and strong teamwork are key strategies for overcoming these challenges. Additionally, staff benefit from regular debriefings and support from supervisors to manage stress and ensure a positive environment for both youth and staff.

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

AspectYouth Challenge ProgramYouth Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some programs may require background checksHigh school diploma or higher; often requires counseling or social work certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings, community centers, or program facilitiesSchools, community centers, or counseling offices
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, non-profits, military or youth development programsEducational institutions, social service agencies, non-profits

The Youth Challenge Program primarily focuses on youth development through structured outdoor and community activities, often with a military or discipline-based approach. Youth Counselors, on the other hand, provide guidance, support, and counseling to youth in educational or social service settings. While both roles serve young people, the Youth Challenge Program emphasizes program participation and discipline, whereas Youth Counselors focus on individual support and counseling.

More about Youth Challenge Program jobs
What cities are hiring for Youth Challenge Program jobs? Cities with the most Youth Challenge Program job openings:
What states have the most Youth Challenge Program jobs? States with the most job openings for Youth Challenge Program jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Youth Challenge Program jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Youth Challenge Program jobs are:
Youth Challenge Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Youth Challenge Program job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 17% Full Time, 63% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,135 per year, or $26 per hour.

Youth Challenge Program Operations Manager - Marietta

Defense, Georgia Department of - DOD

Marietta, GA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

The purpose of the Youth Challenge Program (YCP) is to recruit, enroll, and train at-risk youth who have left high school without a diploma (dropouts or expulsions) to complete work on their General Educational Development (GED) Diploma, and to receive life skills training. The program is structured similar to a US Army basic training company, providing military structure and discipline, drill and ceremony, self-control and motivation. Eight core components form the basis of the curriculum: academic excellence; life coping skills; vocational training; responsible citizenship; leader/followership; health, hygiene and sex education; physical fitness; and, community involvement/community service projects. The program is drug-free, gang-free, and tobacco-free.  The 22-week residential program ensures a safe, secure environment where the eight core components can be achieved through individualized instruction. In addition, 40 hours of service learning is required of all cadets in order to graduate.  The majority of the graduates continue on to post secondary school education, vocational-technical training, full-time employment, military enlistment, or some combination of these.  With campuses at Fort Stewart in Hinesville and Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia's YCP is one of the most successful "at-risk" youth programs in the nation, graduating over 20,000 cadets since the program's inception in 1993.
 
SPECIFIC DUTIES OF THE OPERATIONS MANAGER:
Under the supervision of the YCP State Director, the YCP Operations Manager provides staff support for the Georgia National Guard's Youth Challenge Academy (YCA) program planning process. 
Typical responsibilities will include:
  • Tracks trends and issues which have an impact on program goals.

  • Develops the Program and Academy Annual Plans and State Recruiting Plan for the Youth Challenge Program.

  • Identifies gaps or unmet needs in the Program's information base.  Discusses issues with State Director and staff in affected area.  Conceives and implements solutions.

  • Coordinates and oversees the state YCA program strategic planning process.

  • Assists the State Director with administration and implementation of programs.

  • Represents the Youth Challenge Academy across the state and nationally

 
Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, possess one or more of the following:
  • Bachelor's degree in business, organizational psychology or a related field.   Professional level experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.
  • Professional level experience in strategic planning for a large government agency, educational institute, or military organization.
  • Lean Six Sigma certification.
 
Additional Information:
 
Selected applicant must pass a pre-employment background investigation, which includes a Georgia criminal records search, a pre-employment drug test (post-hire will be placed in the pool for the State Random Drug Testing Program), AND a post-employment federal background investigation, which includes a national criminal records search.
 
EARN MORE THAN A SALARY! In addition to a competitive salary, the Georgia Department of Defense offers a generous benefits package, which includes a pension and savings plan; 13 paid holidays annually; vacation and sick leave; health, dental, vision, legal, disability, accidental death and dismemberment, health and child care spending account.
"AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER & DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE"
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.
 
Unclassified position #00054344
Associate degree in business or related field from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of experience related to area of assignment; or one (1) year of experience required at the lower level Busi Support Analyst 3 (GSP132). Note: An equivalent combination of knowledge, education, job or intern experience, training, or certifications that provides the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted year-over-year.
Additional Information
  • Agency Logo:
  • Requisition ID: ADM0JOD
  • Number of Openings: 1
  • Advertised Salary: $60,000 - $65,000
  • Shift: Day Job
  • Posting End Date: Jun 4, 2026

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