LEARNING...in a Disciplined Environment

 

The Michigan Youth ChalleNGe Academy (MYCA) is designed to meet the educational needs of Cadets by providing a residential setting based on priciples of military discipline, team work and leadership techniques. The goals of the program are two fold.

1. Focus on a well balanced, rigorous curriculum centered on basic education skills, personal development, and leadership skills.

2. Channel each Cadet to further vocational schooling, employment, or military enlistment. Upon successful completion of a 2- week Pre ChalleNGe phase and 20- week ChalleNGe phase of the program, each Cadet will be provided a mentor to help them achieve continued success. This mentor is someone that the applicant & family choose during the application process. 

 Cadet Training Curriculum:
The training program consist of eight core components:

1.  Educational excellence
2.  Life coping skills
3.  Physical fitness
4.  Leadership/followership
5.  Job skills
6.  Community service
7.  Citizenship
8.  Health & nutrition

Training Activities:
Training activities within the curriculum are designed and scheduled to provide opportunities for the Cadet to progress at their own pace. All Cadets are incorporated in the following activities:

1.  Student skills assessment
2.  personal development
3.  physical training
4.  drill and ceremonies
5.  group skills
6.  field trips
7.  Study Hall                                                                                

Basic Education:Michigan Youth Challenge Academy partners up with Battle Creek Public Schools to provide the education needed for the GED.  Upon completion of the program, cadets will receive a total of 4 high school credits, as long as classes are passed :

Battle Creek Public Schools Credits  4.5 credits earned Course Synopses
Math	0.5
English	0.5
Science	0.5
Social Studies	0.5
Basic Computer Skills	0.5
Literary Investigations	0.5
Vocational Training	1.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If the cadet does not pass/take the GED through the Academy, these credits may be added to their existing credits at their current or other public high school upon completion of the program so that they may work toward their high school diploma.  Note: Each public school is different in regards to the total number of credits required for graduating. 

College Credits:  Cadets who successfully complete the MYCA program are eligible to receive up to thirteen (13) semester hours of college credit from Kalamazoo Valley Community College (see chart below).

These transfer credits will apply as appropriate to an associate degree at the college and may or may not be accepted by other colleges and universities depending upon their transfer credit policies.

MYCA cadets also have an opportunity to enroll in KVCC's Beginning Computer Skills course (CIS 100).  Upon successful completion, this two (2) semester hour course will be entered on the student's transcript bringing the potential college credit total to fifteen (15) semester hours.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College Transfer Credits  Click here for KVCC Course Descriptions
Class	Code	Semester Hours
Health  & Hygiene	WPE 101	2
General Physical Education	WPE 999	2
Safety & First Aid	WPE 112	2
Military Science/Leadership	ECR 999	3
Nutrition/Disease Prevention	NUT 130	2
Job Search Skills	BUS 250	2
Total		13
KVCC Credit
Beginning Computer Skills	CIS 100	2
Total		15

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The education component is based on learner-centered activities in the classroom, living enviroment, and work activities. The actual attainment of the  GED certificate is considered a major goal of the Academy. To that end, 400 hours of class time are devoted to achieve that goal during the 22 weeks. In the event the Cadet fails to succeed, they will continue their schooling until they achieve a measurable level of success ( as determined by an increase of performance scores, etc.)

Special Education needs are accomodated for.  A copy of the latest IEP (individualized Education Program) is required during the application process.

Higher Education:
In addition to the basic education objectives, this program will prepare and encourage the Cadet to strive toward technical or higher educational goals obtained through the  Calhoun Area Technological Center in Battle Creek.  The cadets attend 3 nights a week during the resident phase of the program.

Vocational classes include the following: 

•  CAD (computer aided drafting)

•  Computer Applications

•  Technology Education ( the study of technology & its effects of individuals, society, and civilization).

•  Allied Health

•  Welding Technology

•  Commercial Food Service 

•  Power Equipment Technology

•  Collision Repair Technology