As part of the fourth class since its inception, the Washington Youth Academy will celebrate the graduation of 117 cadets on Saturday in Tacoma.

Word of the success of the program is spreading fast throughout the state, and that's something that academy officials hope to keep going, said Elizabeth Bergmann, WYA recruiting and admissions specialist.

"As it's going forward, we're getting more and more interest," she said.

The mission of the Washington Youth Academy, which is located in Bremerton, is to provide a highly disciplined, safe, and professional learning environment that empowers at-risk youth ages 16 to 19 to improve their educational level and employment potential and become responsible and productive citizens of the state of Washington.

The intensive military-style camp - which is free and completely voluntary - blends a rigorous academic program taught by local teachers with National Guard-style fitness and discipline. The program features three phases: Pre-Challenge, Residential and Post-Residential. The 20-week Residential Phase provides cadets opportunities to make basic lifestyle changes that are approached through a rigorous program of education, training, and service to community.

Cadets focus on eight core components that develop the whole person in terms of mind, body and personal values - with an emphasis is on self-discipline, self-esteem, education and development of healthy lifestyles.

Although the academy cannot award cadets a high school diploma because it's not an accredited high school, cadets can earn eight credits in five-and-a-half months in the program that go toward a diploma.

And while the program uses military virtues, cadets are not taught to be soldiers.

"In fact, less than three or four percent actually go into the military (after graduation)," Bergmann said.

But most of the students that do come to the program come through totally different people.

"They come to earn credits, but once they leave here they have learned so much more," she said.