The National Team Development Program (NTDP) was started in 1996 by USA Hockey as a way to identify elite hockey players in the country under the age of 18, and centralize their training. There are two teams in the program, an Under-17 squad and an Under-18 squad. The teams are both based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The stated goal of the NTDP "is to prepare student-athletes under the age of 18 for participation on U.S. National Teams and success in their future hockey careers. Its efforts focus not only on high-caliber participation on the ice, but creating well-rounded individuals off the ice." While enrolled in the NTDP, players stay with billet families and attend Ann Arbor Pioneer High School.