The optional five-month residential program is only available to Thunderbird Challenge Program graduates and is FREE of cost to participants and their families, except for a basic packing list. The residential phase lasts 22 weeks, depending on what vocational program is chosen.
 
Cycle #1 will have 34 spots available. (Future cycles will have more spots available once campus renovations are complete.) Current cadets and parents/guardians will be provided with information and the opportunity to apply while in-cycle at Thunderbird. Graduates from former Thunderbird cycles are encouraged to apply if they will not turn 21 before 1/25/25.  
 
Program participants will be called “Associates” instead of “Cadets.” Associates will continue to strengthen the self-discipline, leadership, and teamwork skills they began to develop as Cadets through the quasi-military structure provided at Job ChalleNGe, with exceptions made as needed to fit their vocation-specific schedules and post-residential employment goals.  
 
Associates will each have their own bedroom and bathroom, share common areas, meals, and recreation activities with other associates, and travel off campus Monday – Thursday to attend classes at Metro Tech. Associates who have already completed high school, GED, or HiSET will also have the opportunity to enroll in concurrent college classes.
 
Associate schedules may vary based on the individual’s vocational program choice. Some components of Job ChalleNGe are mandatory, and some components are optional. The following components will make up the associate’s schedule during the Job ChalleNGe program:
 

• Completion of high school diploma, GED® or HiSET®: Required, unless associate has already earned a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma.
• Vocational Pathway Courses: Required
• Eight Core Component Classes and Tasks: Required
• Physical Fitness Training: Required
• Community Service: Required
• Additional Certification Classes: Optional, but encouraged
• Concurrent Enrollment in College Classes: Available to Associates who have already completed high school, GED, or HiSET
• Graduate Action Plan (GAP): Required

 
As Associates develop Graduate Action Plans, staff will assist them in choosing which training and certifications to complete outside of their vocational program to maximize their skills and enhance their resumes. Each cadet will complete tasks that will help lead to placement by graduation, whether in jobs, school, or the military.