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Monday 8am - 6pm Tuesday 8am - 6pm Wednesday 8am - 6pm Thursday 8am - 6pm Friday 8am - 6pm

Grizzly Youth Academy

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United States
San Luis Obispo, CA
Grizzly Youth Academy

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If you are 16 to 18 years of age, and want to make a change in your life -- this program is for you! Be a part of this great FREE program. Apply Now!
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Visit our website for more information and Accept The ChalleNGe today! Grizzly Youth Academy:
Grizzly Youth Academy opened its doors in August of 1998. In January of 1999, our first graduating class (73 students) completed the residential phase of the program and walked across the stage. For many graduates, this was a life-long dream come true. Since then, forty-six classes, totaling over 6,800 cadets, have completed this rigorous program and gone on to lead successful lives. The mission of the academy is three-fold. First, to provide a safe, structured environment that promotes academic achievement. Second, to develop leadership traits that improve self-esteem, pride, and personal confidence. Third, Grizzly Academy teaches life skills that will benefit young men and women in the adult working world (such as budgeting, personal hygiene, punctuality, teamwork, responsibility, and cooperation). Grizzly Youth Academy operates two residential classes per year. The classes begin in January and in July. https://grizzlyyouthacademy.org

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11/03/2026

🐻 GRIZZLY GRADUATE HIGHLIGHT! 🎓

One of our former cadets recently reached out to share her story, and we couldn't be more proud!

CADET CASH, ARYANA
4TH PLATOON, CLASS 45 GRAD

Her journey began with Class 44, but when COVID-19 forced the class to end early, she didn't give up. She returned for Class 45, determined to finish what she started!

Here's what she wanted to share:

"Since graduating from Grizzly, I’ve accomplished things I never would’ve imagined at 16. I earned my associate degree in Child Development from Taft College, and I’m currently attending CSU East Bay, working toward my bachelor’s degree in Human Development. I’m expected to graduate in spring 2027!

I think the biggest difference between who I was at 16 and who I am now is my mindset. Back then, I didn’t really think about my future. Now, my future is something I work toward every single day, not just for myself, but for my children.

I want my boys to grow up knowing how important education is and that they can accomplish anything they put their minds to. I went from being a teenager who swore she’d never graduate college to a mother working toward her bachelor’s degree.

That’s something I’m incredibly proud of, and I hope my story can encourage another cadet who might feel the same way I did at 16."

❤️ From a determined Grizzly cadet to a mother pursuing her bachelor's degree!

We're incredibly proud of how far she's come! Her story is a reminder that setbacks don't define your future, and it's never too late to accomplish something you once thought was impossible.

Thank you for sharing your journey and inspiring the next generation of Grizzly cadets!

🐻 Dream. Believe. Achieve.

11/03/2026

🏆 CLASS 57 | OCTOBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH! 🐻📚

Another month down, and another group of cadets earning some well-deserved recognition! 👏

Congratulations to our October Students of the Month, selected by our dedicated school staff for their outstanding academic performance, hard work, and dedication in the classroom!

While these cadets have earned this month's recognition, our school staff also wants to give a huge shoutout to ALL of Class 57 for their continued academic progress and achievements! Every improvement, big or small, deserves to be celebrated. 💪

We're proud of the effort our cadets continue to put into their education. Keep pushing, keep improving, and finish strong!

Parents and families, help us congratulate our October Students of the Month and all of Class 57! 🎉👏

10/29/2026

🐾🐶 Class 57 got some extra love today from the Therapy Dogs of SLO! ❤️ Our cadets took a break from their busy schedules to hang out with some furry friends, get lots of puppy cuddles, and enjoy some much-needed downtime! 🐕

Big thank you to Therapy Dogs of SLO for stopping by and putting smiles on everyone’s faces! 🐾❤️

10/27/2026

🐻🏆 Class 57 took on the Grizzly Games Wacky Relay! 😂🏃‍♂️💨 Lots of laughs, a little chaos, and some friendly competition! Our cadets had a blast showing off their teamwork, and of course, our staff couldn’t resist getting in on the fun too! 😂 Not sure who had more fun, the cadets or the staff!

09/30/2026

Before September comes to an end, we want to recognize our Students of the Month! 🎉📚👏🏼

Amazing work academically from all of our cadets! Your hard work, focus, and dedication in the classroom continue to show. 💪🏼

Congratulations to this month’s standouts—keep pushing, keep learning, and keep setting the example! 🏆📖

Parents and families, help us celebrate our cadets by showing them some love in the comments! 👏🏼💙

09/17/2026

🤫 CLASS 57 FAMILIES — WE NEED YOUR HELP! ❤️

We’re putting together something special for our Class 57 Cadets before Family Day, and we want YOU to be part of it!

Parents, guardians, siblings, grandparents, and loved ones — we’re asking you to record a short 20–45 second video message for your Cadet. 🎥

Tell them how proud you are, how much you’ve seen them grow, congratulate them on their grades and accomplishments, give them some words of encouragement, or simply remind them how much you love and miss them. ❤️

We’ll combine your messages into a special video that will be shown to our Cadets before Family Day.

📱 Video Tips:
• Record vertically
• Find a quiet, well-lit area
• Keep it around 20–45 seconds
• Start with your Cadet’s first and last name
• Feel free to get the whole family involved!

🚨 MOST IMPORTANTLY: KEEP IT A SECRET! 🤫
Please DO NOT tell your Cadet what we’re putting together. We want to surprise them!

📩 SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEP 24,2026
🔗 SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO: [email protected] and/or [email protected]

Let’s remind Class 57 that while they’ve been putting in the work here at GYA, their families have been cheering them on every step of the way. ❤️🐻

09/16/2026

🎉 CLASS 57 SOCIAL #1! 🍿🥤

Our Class 57 Cadets got a chance to step away from the daily routine and socialize with Cadets from other platoons in a positive and responsible way! 🙌🏼

Snacks, popcorn, sodas, plenty of laughs, and some good times with GYA staff and teachers. Sometimes it’s good to just relax, connect, and enjoy being teenagers! 😎

More memories made with Class 57! 🐻💪🏼

09/09/2026

📢 CLASS 58 ORIENTATION REMINDER! 🐻

Our NEXT Class 58 Orientation is coming up Saturday, August 29! 🙌🏼

⚠️ REMINDER: You MUST start an application first in order to register for an Orientation. Check the pictures on this post for the Application Process Flow and follow the steps to get started!

📅 CLASS 58 ORIENTATION DATES:

• SEP 19
• OCT 10 — 🆕 Recently Added!
• OCT 24
• NOV 07 — 🆕 Recently Added!
• NOV 21
• DEC 05 — 🚨 FINAL ORIENTATION!

Don’t wait until the last one! Start your application, follow the process, and get registered for an upcoming Orientation.

Accept the ChalleNGe. Class 58 starts here! 💪🏼🐻

09/09/2026

🇺🇸🐻 Class 57 representing GYA!

Our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Platoon Cadets proudly represented Grizzly Youth Academy at the Annual Pinedorado Parade! 🙌🏼

A great opportunity for our cadets to get out into the community, represent the academy, and show off that GYA pride! 💪🏼🐻

Way to represent, Class 57! 👏🏼🇺🇸

#

04/25/2026

Big moves behind the scenes 🎓

Class 56 eligible cadets took the next step toward their future by completing their FAFSA and college applications. This is what it’s all about—setting them up for success beyond Grizzly.

Huge shoutout to our case managers and teaching staff for being there every step of the way, guiding and supporting our cadets through the process.

Dream. Believe. Achieve.

Address

Mendocino Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA
93405

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 6pm
Tuesday	8am - 6pm
Wednesday	8am - 6pm
Thursday	8am - 6pm
Friday	8am - 6pm

Telephone

+18009260643

Website

http://www.grizzlyyouthacademy.org/

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