Residential Military Programs in Oklahoma

Thunderbird Youth Academy:
Located in the city of Pryor, Northeastern Oklahoma, Thunderbird Youth Academy is a nationally-recognized co-ed program designed for high school dropouts ages 16-18. Our 17-month program is offered through the National Guard and the Oklahoma Military Department. Our program comprises of a 22 week (5 1/2 month) Residential Phase followed by a 12 month Post-Residential follow up program with a mentor after graduation.

Residential Program for High School Dropouts (Ages 16-18)
For the first 22 weeks, enrolled youth are in residence at the Thunderbird Youth Academy campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (there are periodic weekend passes). The purpose of this phase is to instill in each Cadet a sense of self-discipline and community spirit using a variety of methods built around the programs eight core objectives which are:

- Academic Excellence
- Life Coping Skills
- Job Skills
- Health and Hygiene
- Responsible Citizenship
- Service to the Community
- Leadership/Followership
- Physical Fitness

During the 12 month post-residential phase of the program, case managers from Thunderbird Youth Academy will be contacting the graduate and his/her mentor on a monthly basis to follow up and collect data on the continued success of the graduate.

Education Options:
Thunderbird Youth Academy Cadets will earn 3 high school credits for graduating the program. These 3 credits have been assigned to the 8 core components that make up the core curriculum at TYA.

In addition, Cadets may choose to take additional high school credits through the University of Oklahoma High School Credit Program. Cadets may also choose to obtain their GED and some will have the opportunity to take and complete 6 college hours at Oklahoma State University of Technology.

Returning to High School:
Graduating Cadets can return to high school after completing Thunderbird Youth Academy, although it will be at the high schools discretion whether or not to accept the graduate.

Job Training:
Students who obtain their GED early have the opportunity to take up to 6 hours of classes at OSU Institute of Technology. Students can also take part in a Job-Shadowing Program, observing and participating in different career fields to gather ideas for future employment.

Mentor Program:
During the Residential Phase, mentors maintain regular contact with their cadets in an effort to provide support, guidance and establish a relationship. This can be achieved by:

- E-mails
- Letters
- Scheduled on-site visits
- Scheduled off-site visits (Mentor Passes)
- 1 hour of community service performed with cadet

After graduation when the cadet is back at home the Post-Residential Phase begins. At this time, Mentors help ease the graduates transition back into their communities and help them stay on track with their life goals.