Article 18.

Tarheel Challenge Academy.

§ 127A-220.  Purpose; establishment.

The purpose of this Article is to authorize the North Carolina National Guard's Tarheel Challenge Academy to operate independently of existing schools. The Tarheel Challenge Academy is established as a Division of the North Carolina National Guard. The Tarheel Challenge Academy shall satisfy all of the following:

(1) Exist as a cost-free program.

(2) Be housed for administrative purposes within the North Carolina National Guard.

(3) Be a community-based school that leads, trains, and mentors at-risk youth.

(4) Be designated as an approved alternative learning program, as defined in this Article, and an innovative school option.

(5) Create at least a 22-week residential program that requires a 12-month post-residential mentoring period.

(6) Improve life skills and employment potential of participants by providing quasi-military based training and supervised work experience.

(7) Teach the "8 Core Components" of academic excellence, job skills, health and hygiene, physical fitness, life coping skills, responsible citizenship, leadership, and service to community.

(8) Increase opportunity for participants to receive a high school diploma or its equivalent.

(9) Enjoy the full cooperation of other State and local agencies in carrying out its program. (2021-180, s. 19E.2(a).)