If you are a member of the Illinois National Guard or are a retired member of the Armed Forces, your service and unique experience and knowledge can be used in helping a young person receive a second chance at an education and a successful life.
    

departments

Plans, Operations and Training (POTO) Department produces daily training schedules, plans community projects and develops instruction letters for various events.

Academics Department provides all GED, selected life skills, and computer instruction to cadets. Basic requirements include a Bachelor Degree in Education or related field and/or equivalent experience and a state of Illinois teaching certificate.

Counseling Department provides placement assistance and limited mental health counseling to the cadets. Basic requirements include a Bachelor Degree in Counseling or related field and/or equivalent experience.

Cadre Department are the primary supervisors for cadets providing guidance, care and when necessary, disciplinary actions. Basic requirements include a minimum of 2 years progressive military experience, progressive professional military education, and be E-4 or above.

Admissions and Graduate Affairs manages the recruitment of mentors as well as monitors and tracks the Post Resident Phase of LCA.

Logistics Department performs administrative services and provides equipment, supplies and services as required. This also includes the Budget Office, Management Information Services and Maintenance.

Medical Department provides daily medical attention to cadets to include sick call, health training and emergency care as needed. Basic requirements include an EMT license or equivalent medical certification.

Security Department provides general security of the staff, students, and property, and performs investigations as required. Basic requirements include completion of Military or Civilian Police Training Course and one year of experience.

Human Resource Department performs technical human resource functions. It also performs liaison duties with the State Comptroller's office and the State Personnel Office.

Payroll Department manages payroll, attendance and deferred compensations programs and processes payroll transactions.

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organization of Lincoln's ChalleNGe

Youth Challenge is facilitated by the National Guard Bureau (NGB) in Washington, DC. Operational techniques and results are monitored and managed by NGB, who reports to Congress on the progress of Youth Challenge.

The Governor of Illinois is the Commander in Chief of the Illinois National Guard. As such, the Governor is the approving authority for Lincoln's Challenge Academy and continues to oversee its success.

The Adjutant General (AG) for Illinois is the senior National Guard representative in the state. The AG is responsible for all aspects of the Illinois National Guard to include Lincoln's Challenge Academy.

The Special Chief of Staff, Illinois National Guard, is the primary officer in charge of Lincoln's Challenge Academy.

Representatives from both private and public sector comprise the State Advisory Board. The Board is responsible for assessing the performance of LCA and makes recommendations concerning the Academy's operation. Additionally, the Board promotes public awareness and community support for the Academy.

The Director of Lincoln's Challenge Academy assumes overall responsibility for the conduct of the course.

The Deputy Director oversees the primary departments of the program and reports to the Director.

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