WI National Guard Challenge Academy

05/29/2026

We are excited to see our Cadets back on Challenge Academy Ground. They spent six days back home working on their Post Residential Action Plans - setting up and attending job interviews, giving Challenge Academy Presentations at their schools, Service to Community, meeting with their Mentors, and enjoying time with family and friends before the home stretch to Commencement.

05/17/2026

Calling All Challenge Academy Graduates!
Join us on June 5th for our Graduate Panel, where you can share your journey, inspire Cadets, and reconnect with the Academy!
Please RSVP by June 1st using the link below:
https://challengeacademy.org/graduate-panel-registration/
Day-at-a-Glance:
1100 – Arrival
1100–1130 – Welcome & refreshments
1130–1210 – Tour
1210–1240 – Lunch
1300–1400 – Graduate Panel
You can join us all day or just for the panel, we can’t wait to see you there and hear your stories!

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05/13/2026

Real Stories. Real Change.
Not on track to graduate high school on time? Looking for more structure, discipline, and direction in your life? Ready to make a change but not sure where to start?

You’re not alone, and your story isn’t over.

Hear directly from our graduates about how the Academy helped them build confidence, overcome challenges, and change the direction of their lives.

The courage to change starts with one step.

Now accepting applications! Don’t wait...apply today at challengeacademy.org.

05/12/2026

Help Shape the Future at the Challenge Academy:
Are you a Licensed Teacher in the State of Wisconsin that enjoys working with at-risk youth? If so, we have the job for you.

The State of Wisconsin, Department of Military Affairs (DMA) is hiring an English Instructor (Teacher). This position is located at the Challenge Academy, in Fort McCoy.

We offer an opportunity to engage with a team of dedicated professionals, with a truly worthwhile mission.

The Wisconsin Challenge Academy is a residential alternative education program designed to reclaim the lives of youth and produce graduates with the education, strength of character, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults and become responsible citizens. The Wisconsin Challenge Academy is located on Fort McCoy. To learn more about the Wisconsin Challenge Academy, please go to http://www.challengeacademy.org.

Under the general supervision of the Teacher Supervisor (Lead Instructor), the Instructor provides academic instruction to cadets enrolled in the Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy (WINGCA). This includes delivering content-specific coursework, supporting specialized instruction, and promoting the development of life and leadership skills. The instructor provides both group and individual instruction, evaluates cadet progress, and implements appropriate remediation strategies. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate academic records, entering required data into a data management system, and serving as an education sponsor for assigned cadets. The instructor monitors and manages cadet behavior, participates in staff meetings, and serves as an A-Team member by assisting Cadets with their post residential action plans. Additionally, the instructor serves as a vital member of a 4-person team, providing weekly support to identified Cadets within their assigned platoon. The instructor may also provide training to staff, interns, and participate in specialized instruction and special projects, as assigned.

This role will work Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Qualifications
Candidates who meet minimum qualifications will have:

Licensure or eligible for licensure by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) at the middle/secondary or high school level (6-12, 7-12, or 9-12) in one or more academic area, or certified or eligible for administrative certification by Wisconsin DPI.

How To Apply
Click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. If you have not signed into your account, you will need to sign in before applying. If you do not have an account, click “Register Now” to register for an account and apply for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
https://wj.wi.gov/psc/wisjobs/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Action=U&Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&SiteID=1&FOCUS=Applicant&JobOpeningId=20840&PostingSeq=1

05/08/2026

Happy Nurses Week to our amazing medic! 💙
Thank you for the care, compassion, and support you give our Cadets each and every day. We appreciate all that you do!

05/07/2026

This week, we’re celebrating our incredible instructors for Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍎

Our instructors do so much more than teach in the classroom. They mentor, encourage, challenge, and support our Cadets every single day. They meet Cadets where they are, push them to grow, and help them build confidence for their future.

Thank you for the patience, dedication, and care you bring to the Academy each day. The impact you make goes far beyond academics, and we appreciate everything you do for our Cadets.
Drop a comment below and share how an instructor has helped or impacted you! ⬇️

05/06/2026

As we head into the final weeks before graduation, things are starting to come full circle for our Cadets.

Through the Post-Residential Action Plan (P-RAP), Cadets are starting to put their next steps into motion. Over the past two weeks, they’ve been able to get out and experience a variety of career paths.

From Kwik Trip Distribution Center and WTC’s main campus, to Milwaukee Job Corps, the trades, public safety, Volk Field, and emplify Health. Cadets are getting a firsthand look at what opportunities are out there.

It’s exciting to see them start connecting the dots and thinking about what comes next after the Academy.

04/27/2026

Camp Decorah really brought it all for our cadets this year.

They pushed through a tough 10-mile Honor Road March and made it all the way to the top of Brady’s Bluff. Where they earned their dog tags. That moment meant a lot. You could see the pride and exhaustion all at once.

And honestly, they had a blast too. There was plenty of laughter with dizzy bat, baseball, and tug of war, and the nights were just as memorable. Sitting around the campfire, roasting marshmallows, and singing together after a long day.

One of the most powerful parts of the experience was the forgiveness letters.

04/23/2026

Camping at Camp Decorah has been a staple experience for Cadets for years and Class 56 is proudly carrying on the tradition.

With beautiful weather on their side, Cadets spent the day setting up camp, giving back through service to community, and testing their skills in an archery competition. A highlight for many was learning to fish with help from Fish and Wildlife Services. For many, it was their first time fishing—learning how to cast a line and even bait a hook! 🎣

To wrap up the trip, Cadets will take on a 10-mile road march to earn their dog tags, an achievement they won’t forget. Stay tuned for photos and follow along as Class 56 completes their journey!

04/20/2026

When Wisconsinites need help, our Cadets show up.

This weekend, they were in Columbia County working alongside more than 100 Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers, filling sandbags to help communities dealing with severe storms and flooding.