Posted Wednesday, February 29, 2012 --- 8:46 a.m.

FORT McCOY, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin National Guard program for at-risk youth is accepting applications for its next class.

The Wisconsin Challenge Academy accepts teens who are at risk of not graduating from high school. The free program is open to boys and girls who have dropped out, been expelled or fallen at least a year behind in credits.

The goal is to help teens earn their high school equivalency diplomas, learn essential job and life skills and become responsible citizens.

Applicants must be older than 16 years, nine months, and younger than 19. Candidates must not have been convicted of a felony and can't be on adult parole or probation at the time of entry.

The next class starts July 19. The academy is located at Fort McCoy, between Sparta and Tomah.

Online:
Wisconsin Challenge Academy: http://www.ngycp.org

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.