Then look no further than the Mountaineer Challenge Academy.

Brittany Peyatt, 17, quit school with the plans of becoming a cosmetologist.

"I really wasn't doing anything with my life. I was just pretty much sitting at home."

Abram Billig, 17, hadn't put much thought into his future.

"Before you joined the MCA, what did you see for your future?" I asked.

"I wasn't looking at all, ma'am," he answered.

That all changed when they chose to participate in the Mountaineer Challenge Academy.

"There's a lot of opportunity you can get here that you can't get a lot of places. You can get a lot of different certifications, like OSHA, hunter's safety, food handlers, CPR certification," explained Billig. "It'll get you on the right track."

Hugh Dopson has been the director of MCA for sixteen years.

He explained that the academy was created for teenagers who were at risk of not completing high school or becoming contributing members of their communities.

"There are a lot of kids that the education system will not meet their needs," said Dopson, "And this program is designed to handle the needs of kids from all spectrums and all walks of life."

There are 8 core components to the program - the first of which is education excellence. All cadets attend morning classes - and some can take college courses.

"It's pretty hard," said Peyatt. "There's a lot of studying, and of course we don't have a lot of time to do that - so you have to cram it in whenever you can."

As the fastest mile runner, Cadet Billig's favorite component is Physical Training.

"5:33 two weeks ago, ma'am," he said between pull ups, "And 5:36 last Sunday."

"Each cadet will earn about 60 hours of service to the community. These services include stocking trout in the Cheat, helping the 4-H with fundraising, and even socializing with pets at the local humane society."

The Cadets are held to strict standards - in dress, behavior and personal space.

"Our shoes have to be under our racks a certain way, and our wall lockers - everything has to be a certain way, it's just very organized."

Even the way they get around is regulated - formations when in a group - and running when they're moving individually.

Cadets Peyatt and Billig say their futures have blossomed since they joined the academy.

"Before I wasn't really motivated, I didn't try to get things done and have a lot of drive," admitted Billig. "But right now I'm a lot more disciplined and focused - I have a good head on my shoulders."

"If anyone's thinking about doing it, definitely do it because it's a great opportunity," urged Peyatt. "It's just amazing here." After the 22 week residential program is complete, the 85 cadets will go through a year-long mentoring process to help them kick-start their new life.