Angelina Wilson and Kenneth Cates, Recruiters for the Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy. TCA offers our services to those students who are not faring well in the traditional school settings. Our free program includes a 5 ½ month residential phase, followed by a 12-month post-residential phase. While attending the 5 ½ month residential program, our students will improve their education level, life skills, and employment potential. This is accomplished by providing training in a structured, and disciplined quasi-military environment which enhances the program’s core components: Academic excellence, Life-coping Skills, Leadership and Followership, Responsible Citizenship, Job Skills, Service to the Community, Physical Fitness, and Health & Hygiene.