8 Core Components
The goal of the Michigan Youth ChalleNGe Academy is to produce men and women who are well rounded in many areas and ready to become productive members of society. In order for you to reach this goal, you must set high personal standards and strive to reach them. You must perform at your best in each of the below 8 Corps Objectives. You are required to accept responsibility for your actions and initiative, as well as being dependable and efficient in applying the maximum effort at all times.
1. LIFE COPING SKILLS - Learn personal financial management, teamwork skills, anger management, and drug and alcohol avoidance strategies.
2. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE - Increase grade levels in reading and mathematics, attain a GED, earn 4 public school creditsand pursue higher education. Graduates can also earn up tp 15 College credits from Kalamazoo Community College.
3. JOB SKILLS: Learn basic employment skills, resume writing, job interview techniques, and career exploration. Cadets will also complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB.
4. RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP - Demonstrate basic understanding of the Constitution and the U.S. government; participate student government; demonstrate an understanding of election/voting process; 18-year-old males will register with the Selective Service Board.
5. LEADERSHIP/FOLLOWERSHIP - Hold a leadership position; show evidence of motivation and self-discipline; maintain personal living area; demonstrate good citizen values; function as a team member.
6. HEALTH & HYGIENE - Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of substance abuse; demonstrate understanding of proper nutrition; demonstrate understanding of sexually transmitted disease.
7. PHYSICAL FITNESS - Participate in physical fitness training' improve level of fitness; demonstrate knowledge of fitness concepts.
8. SERVICE TO COMMUNITY - Participate in planning of community service project; complete 40 hours of community service; demonstrate awareness of community values.
All Cadets will be evaluated throughout the program on their progress in these Corps Objectives. Performance evaluations will be based on performance testing, observation, demonstration or participation while in the Residencial Phase of the program.