What is the Michigan Youth ChalleNGe Academy??

The Michigan Youth ChalleNGe Academy (MYCA), located on the grounds of the Battle Creek VA Medical Center, 5500 Armstrong Rd, Bldg 13, Battle Creek, MI.,  is a 17.5 month program (5 1/2 months residential with a one - year post-residential follow-up phase). 

The twenty-two week residential program is designed to shape the "at risk" youth of Michigan into productive members of society. They are trained and evaluated on eight core components. They are Life Coping Skills, Education Excellence, Vocational Skills, Citizenship, Leadership, Health, Physical Fitness, and Community Service.

EDUCATION:  During the 22 week residential cycle, cadets are taking classes administered through Battle Creek Public Schools.  Near the end of the 22-week resident phase, cadets have the opportunity to take the GED test through BCPS.  Graduates earn a total of 4 high school credits that can be used toward their high school diploma during their post-residential phase. The credits are as follows: 0.5 for Math, 0.5 for Social Studies, 0.5 for Science, 0.5 for English, 0.5 for Physical Education & 1.5 for Vocational Education. 

COST:  Meals, housing, and uniforms are all provided and there are no costs to the cadet or their families for participation in the program.  The MYCA is paid for by the US Department of Defense and the State of Michigan.  Although the program is administered by the Michigan National Guard, there is NO military obligation for participation. 

MENTOR:  During the residential phase, the cadets are trained on how to work with their Mentor that they selected from their community during the application phase. The Mentor assists them in attaining their goals and keeping on the right track for the 12 months after they graduate the residential program. Participation with the mentor is mandatory.

Upon completion of the residential program, each Cadet will return to their community and meet with their Mentor on a weekly basis. The Mentor will help guide the youth in achieving the goals they set for themselves in the post residential program. The Mentor is a role model to help transition the Cadet back into their community and to keep them focused on their career and personal goals.

HISTORY:  MYCA started its first class on August 23, 1999. The MYCA has since graduated 18 classes as of  June 15, 2008  that totals 1,544 cadets.  As of June 2007, 1,158 GED's have been attempted and 721 earned during the resident phase- as of Class 16, resulting in an over-all  62% GED pass rate. 

ELIGIBILITY:  Young men and women who are State of Michigan residents, 16-19 year old high school drop outs or at risk of dropping out with no felony convictions are eligible to apply. Applicants must be drug free and willing to discontinue the use of alcohol and tobacco products, but most importantly applicants must volunteer for the program.

Note: 19 year old applicants must not turn 20 on or before the projected graduation date of the class they are applying for.

COMMUNITY SERVICE:  MYCA Cadets have completed over 54,117 hours of community service.  Some of the projects include: habitat for Humanity, Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, Fort Custer National Cemetery, Battle Creek VA Medical Center, Western Michigan University, Binder Park Zoo, Michigan Youth Ranch, Leila Arboretum, and the annual Marcellus Village clean up.                      

The MYCA is a National Guard Program that focuses on the youth at greatest risk with the highest potential for re-direction toward education or employment. There are 34 programs currently established in 28 states and one territory.  ChalleNGe is a preventative rather than a remedial "youth at risk" program.

There are only a few times in your life when you get a second chance. The MYCA provides one of them. It`s a fact that workers with less than a high school education end up with fewer career opportunities and lower paying jobs. That doesn`t have to be your future.