Dream. Believe. Achieve.

Hope for a brighter future begins at Thunderbird challenge Program.

The challenges that students face today do not need to limit their possibilities tomorrow. Throughout the National Guard Youth Challenge Program journey, cadets learn to take ownership of their lives and develop the leadership skills needed to attack adversity in their lives.

Thunderbird exists to intervene and reinvent leadership in the next generation’s youth. Are you ready for a change? Start your new best right here at the finest leadership academy in Oklahoma.

Apply Now
Orientation Summary

Class 67 Begins July 18, 2026

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Applications Open March 2, 2026

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Dream.
Believe.
Achieve.

Hope for a brighter future begins at Thunderbird challenge Program.

The challenges that students face today do not need to limit their possibilities tomorrow. Throughout the National Guard Youth Challenge Program journey, cadets learn to take ownership of their lives and develop the leadership skills needed to attack adversity in their lives.

Thunderbird exists to intervene and reinvent leadership in the next generation’s youth.  Are you ready for a change? Start your new best right here at the finest leadership academy in Oklahoma.

Apply Now
Orientation Summary
Cadet in a red shirt working on a hands-on vocational project with tools and wooden materials.

Vocational Classes

Thunderbird cadets will have the opportunity to learn and explore different trades through our partnership with Northeast Tech. This invaluable relationship allows cadets to expand their potential and introduce them to new career paths.

Cadets in red uniforms holding a large American flag during a community service event.

Community Service

As a part of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, every cadet will complete a minimum of 40 volunteer community service hours. However, they don’t stop there. Cadet’s continue long after 40 hours, learning to give back and help the communities that have given to them.

Cadet in a red shirt smiling while putting on a helmet, guided by mentors during the Challenge Program.

Mentors

Mentorship is a key component of The Challenge Program. Every Cadet must have a mentor to be in the program. These unsung heroes are a vital part of the Cadets’ success while in the Challenge Program and long after the Cadets leave our campus.

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Overdrive 65, All Gas, No Brakes

August 21, 2025

Thunderbird Challenge Program Class 65 has officially hit the ground, marking the beginning of a powerful 22-week journey of growth, discipline, and discovery. Over the next five months, cadets will dive into the 8 core components that form the heart of the…

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Thunderbird Challenge
4 hours ago

Our first homepass is almost here! Seeing your cadet for the first time since starting the program is often a joyful and emotional experience. At times, it can also be challenging to navigate – observing changes in your cadet’s behavior, responding to their emotions, and staying focused on the road ahead.

In collaboration with our Counseling Department, we’ve put together guidance on what to expect, how to approach conversations, and how to best support your cadet.

You will receive a phone call with homepass pickup and drop-off details, but as a reminder: pickup will take place 7-9 AM on Weds. 4/1, and dropoff will be Sun. 4/5 from 6-8 PM.

Cadets should eat before returning, as dinner will not be provided Sunday evening. They will also be drug tested upon their return Sunday. Nurses will send cadets home with enough medication for the duration of homepass. This is also a great time to restock toiletries if your child is running low (all items must still adhere to the original packing list guidelines.) ... See MoreSee Less

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Thunderbird Challenge
1 day ago

Cycle 66, Week 10

Learner of the Week – Cohrs (3rd)
Most Valuable Cadet – Burke (4th)
Academics – Group 5 (3rd)
PT – 2nd
D&C – 1st
Spirit – 4th
Barracks – 4th
Leadership – 3rd

Several cadets were promoted to Sergeant this week:
1st – Bumgarner
2nd – King, Steichan, VanBuren, C. Williams
3rd – Aaron, Cundiff, Esparza-Ritter, Gallamore, Haines, B. Morgan, Parent, Rodriguez, Ross, Schult, Wheeler
4th – Anderson, Burke, Chappell

Additionally, six cadets ranked up to Staff Sergeant:
Everitt (3rd), Lebel (3rd), Muan (3rd), Teel (3rd), Ubriaco (3rd), and Altom (4th).

Last company formation before homepass – great progress, cadets!
#cycle66 #truegrit66 ... See MoreSee Less

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Join Us at Thunderbird Challenge

Fill out an online application and see if our School is a good fit for your family.

Apply Now!

Application Process

  • 1

    Register as a parent guardian

  • 2

    Complete the online application

  • 3

    Our admissions counselor will contact you and visit about your individual situation

  • 4

    Schedule an Orientation and Interview

  • 5

    Receive conditional acceptance

  • 6

    Complete required paperwork and mentor application

Complete the Cadet Application
Read the Orientation Summary

You. Improved.

Thunderbird Challenge Program is a residential military academy for males and females age 15yrs. 7mos. to 18yrs old. The program is one of the original National Guard Youth Challenge Programs, and is the only military academy of its kind in the state. Our leadership-based highly disciplined educational program is designed to help today’s students prepare for being leaders tomorrow.

Challenge

Challenge oneself physically, educationally, and emotionally.  Our program is designed to introduce healthy adversity into our young adults’ lives in order to develop a habit of making good decisions and master healthy life skills.

Respect

Learn respect for yourself, for others, and your community. This respect is instilled into cadets through structured activities that promote teamwork, open communication, and appreciation for diverse perspectives. The program places a strong emphasis on accountability and responsibility, fostering an environment where respect is not only expected but becomes an inherent part of the cadets' character development.

Education

Education options include: GED, High Schools Credits, and Credit Recovery, College Classes, as well as Vo-Tech Classes.

At Thunderbird, Education is an opportunity to overcome barriers to learning. Many students today need a different model than sitting in a classroom with a book or computer. TCP offers many different approaches to traditional classroom learning in order to develop study skills that will benefit students throughout their educational career.