Nearly 80 cadets are graduating from the Hawaii National Guard’s Youth Challenge Academy.

The academy is a five-month residential program for 17- and 18-year-olds.

It teaches military discipline and life-coping skills to students who aren’t able to graduate from high school with their classmates. The program helps student to obtain GED diplomas.

The cadets will pursue higher education, enter the work force or join the military after today’s graduation.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie will be speaking at their graduation at Pearl City Cultural Center.

Program Director Rick Campbell says it’s a great feeling to celebrate this milestone with the graduates and their families and friends.

The Youth Challenge Academy operates campuses in Kalaeloa on Oahu and Kulani on Hawaii Island.