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OUTDOOR PROGRAMS, WILDERNESS PROGRAMS, SUMMER CAMPS

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

and PROGRAMS

Paying for a Program

Free & Low-Cost Schools and Programs

FREE & LOW-COST SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS

Bethany's House ~ Christian ministry for pregnant women, age 18 and over providing a free residential program for adoption-minded women.  For more information, e-mail or call 1-800-454-0454 or 209-526-3342.

Cal Farley's Boys Ranch & Affiliates ~ The Cal Farley organization provides Christ-centered basic-care residential programs and services for at-risk boys and girls from throughout the United States at no charge to parents: Boys Ranch, near Amarillo; Girlstown, U.S.A., west of Lubbock; and Cal Farley's Family Program, near Borger.   For information on admissions, call 1-800-687-3722.

Eagle Rock School ~ Year-round, tuition-free, residential high school located in Colorado that provides personalized learning experiences for students, ages 15-17, who are not experiencing success in their current school setting.  Each candidate for admission, nominated through a participating school district or community organization must have strong support from an adult sponsor (preferably the family).  For more information, call 970-586-0600.

Girard College ~ Located in Philadelphia, Girard College is a private boarding school for academically capable students, grades 1-12, with no behavior problems.  The school awards full scholarships to qualified boys and girls from homes without one or both parents and with demonstrated financial need.  Children who live with a custodial caretaker such as a grandparent, relative, or foster parent or guardian are also eligible.  For more information, call 215-787-2600.

Job Corps ~ The nation's largest and most comprehensive residential, education and job training program for at-risk youth, ages 16-24.  Job Corps operates 118 primarily residential Job Corps centers located across the country and in Puerto Rico.  For more information, call 1-800-733-JOBS.

Mercy Ministries of America ~ Mercy Ministries offers a free residential program for girls, ages 13-28, who are dealing with such problems as substance abuse, unplanned pregnancies, suicidal tendencies, eating disorders, depression, abuse, self-injury, and sexual addictions.  Locations include Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Australia,  United Kingdom, Canada (Surrey, BC), New Zealand, and Peru.  Future locations are underway in California.  To qualify for entry into the program, each girl must have a willing heart to come and participate fully in the ministry.  Read the Mercy story.  For more information, call 615-831-6987 or e-mail.

Milton Hershey School ~ A residential school in Pennsylvania offering free education, housing, clothing, meals, medical/dental care, and recreational activities.  Students must be between 4 and 15 years of age at time of enrollment, at least average ability, and no behavioral problems at school or home.  Prospective families and children are invited to attend an Opportunity Fair in your area to learn more about the school.  For more information, call 1-800-322-3248.

National Guard Challenge Program ~ A preventive youth-at-risk program, targets unemployed drug-free and law-free high-school dropouts, 16 to 18 years of age.  Core components of the program are citizenship, academic excellence (GED/high school diploma attainment), life-coping skills, community service, health and hygiene, skills training, leadership/followership, and physical training. The five-month residential phase is followed by a year-long mentoring relationship with a specially trained member from each youth's community.

Alaska Military Youth Academy ChalleNGe Program - 907-384-6017

Arizona Project Challenge - 480-988-4100

Arkansas Youth Challenge - 501-212-5344

Grizzly Youth Academy (California) - 1-800-926-0643

Florida Youth Challenge Academy - 1-866-276-9304

Fort Gordon Youth Challenge Academy (Georgia) - 706-791-5950

Fort Stewart Youth Challenge Academy (Georgia) - 912-767-2666

Hawaii Youth Challenge Academy - 808-673-7530

Lincoln's Challenge (Illinois) - 217-892-1315

Kentucky Bluegrass Challenge Academy - 502-624-3698

Louisiana Youth Challenge - 1-800-CAMP-KID

Freestate Challenge Academy (Maryland) - 410-306-1804

Michigan Youth Challenge Academy - 269-968-1397

Mississippi Youth Challenge - 1-800-507-6253

Montana Youth Challenge Program - 1-877-367-6927

Nevada Youth Challenge Program - 775-885-8201

New Jersey Challenge Youth Program - 609-562-0571

New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy - 1-800-366-9098

Tarheel Challenge Youth Program (North Carolina) - 1-800-573-9966

Thunderbird Youth Academy (Oklahoma) - 918-824-4850

Oregon Youth Challenge Program - 541-317-9623 ext 223

Puerto Rico Youth Challenge Program - 787-260-1757

South Carolina Youth Challenge Academy - 803-896-6480

Seaborne Challenge (Texas) - 409-741-7131

Virginia Commonwealth Challenge - 1-800-796-6472

West Virginia Mountaineer Challenge Academy - 1-800-529-7700

Wisconsin Challenge Academy - 608-269-9000

Wyoming Youth Challenge - 307-836-7500

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ~ Online directory to help locate treatment facilities for adolescents and adults. Call 1-800-622-HELP; 1-877-767-8432 (Spanish); 1-800-487-4889 (TDD).

YouthBuildUSA ~ In YouthBuild programs, unemployed and undereducated young people ages 16-24 work toward their GED or high school diploma while learning job skills by building affordable housing for homeless and low-income people.  To find a location near you, click here.  For more information, call 617-623-9900.

Youth Haven Ranches ~ Week-long Christian summer camp and year-round weekend retreats at no charge to needy and underprivileged young people between the ages of 7 and 12 (8 and 12 during the summer).  For information on the Arizona Desert Ranch, call 520-466-3093.  For information on the Michigan Ranch, call 517-569-3328.

Disclaimer:  References or links from these pages to other pages outside Focus Adolescent Services do not necessarily constitute any endorsement or recommendation.  Focus Adolescent Services is not responsible for the contents of any pages outside our control.  Information contained in Focus Adolescent Services or on any linked sites is not intended as medical advice.  Its intent is solely informational and educational.  The information is not a substitute for talking with your health professional.  Readers are advised to exercise their own further informed review, judgment, and evaluation in the selection of any and all programs, services, and health information.