The Indiana Army National Guard is hosting the grand opening and dedication of the nation's first Patriot Academy at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Jennings County, Ind., at 1 p.m. today, Aug. 26.

Patriot Academy, a pilot program from the National Guard Bureau that offers a high school diploma opportunity for youth wanting to serve their country in the Army National Guard.

Pvt. Robert T. Hunt Jr., whose family lives in Bullard, will attend Patriot Academy and also will be present on the Academy's opening day.

Hunt said he plans to go to college for a business degree and after college he would like enroll in the National Guard full-time and eventually open a computer store.

The Patriot Academy is a pilot program from the National Guard Bureau open to all 54 states and territories that offers a high school diploma opportunity for youth wanting to serve their country in the Army National Guard. Different from the Youth Challenge Academies already open in many states, the students of the Patriot Academy have to join the National Guard and they receive pay and benefits while attending the program.

Students attend basic training before reporting to the Patriot Academy, then earn a high school diploma and continue to learn military skills and life skills throughout their stay. Upon completion they will attend advanced training and return to their home states for service in their Army National Guard Units.

The opening ceremony will include a ribbon cutting as well as the opportunity to hear more about the program from state and national leaders.