Dr. Jim Brescia introduced our speaker, Daniel Williams, RPM Supervisor, Grizzly Youth Academy.
Daniel Williams explained that Grizzly Youth Academy (GYA) is a partnership between the California Na onal Guard and the Grizzly Challenge Charter School. For youth between the ages of 16 and 18 who have dropped out of high school, or are at-risk of dropping out, we offer a highly-structured environment that promotes leadership, cooperayion, and academic skills, while building self-esteem, pride, and confidence.
Cadet Raul, a 17 year old from Santa Maria, told us that, while in public school, he had a grade point average of 0.17. He did
not care about school and had no life goals. He was constantly scared and nervous. When his guidance counselor told him
about Grizzly, he decided to give it a try. He explained how hard it was, at first, getting up at 5 a.m. and jogging to class but
the program has changed his life. He said he was concerned about returning home after graduation, worried that things
might be different, but he said he soon realized that the only thing that changed was himself. He is proud to say his gpa is now at 3.8 and he is looking forward to a promising future.
Matching cadets with a caring, responsible mentor is one of the most important components of the Grizzly Youth Academy experience. The mentor acts as an anchor of support to the cadet during their 5 1⁄2 month residential phase and continues supporting him/her throughout their 12 month post-residential phase (a total of 17 1⁄2 months). The mentor is key to a graduate’s successful transition to employment and/or continuing education. An established goal for all students is to complete a My Action Plan (MAP). This life plan is a guide for the Mentor and the Cadet to follow after graduation
on.
Mentoring responsibilities are fully communicated in the mandatory one-day Mentor Training session (see dates below). The Grizzly Youth Academy o ers this training mul ple mes each class, only requiring mentors to a end ONE session. If anyone is interested in mentoring a cadet, contact Grizzly Youth Academy at 1-800-926-0643 or go on line to h ps://www.grizzlyyouthacademy.org/mentors/about-mentoring/