Michigan Youth Challenge Academy Class #48 to Graduate on June 17

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) will hold a graduation ceremony for 104 cadets of class #48 at 10 a.m. on June 17, 2023, at the W.K. Kellogg Auditorium at 50 Van Buren St. W, Battle Creek, MI 49017. Doors will open at 9 a.m. and the ceremony is open to the public.

The graduating class consists of cadets from across the state, hailing from 35 different counties: Allegan, Arenac, Bay, Berrien, Calhoun, Clinton, Crawford, Eaton, Genesee, Grand Traverse, Ingham, Ionia, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Midland, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Osceola, Otsego, Ottawa, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Tuscola, Van Buren, Washtenaw, Wayne and Wexford.

The voluntary academy is a cost-free alternative education program which offers at-risk youth the opportunity to change their future. As part of the curriculum, cadets participate in drill and ceremony formations, meet physical fitness standards, perform community service and receive classroom instruction. 

Of the 104 anticipated graduates in this cycle, 78 are earning their high school diploma while the remaining cadets will earn their General Education Development certificate or continue their academic pursuits towards earning their high school diploma. Over the past 22 weeks, cadets have performed more than 4,400 hours of community service to help individuals and organizations in the Battle Creek area.

Class #49 will begin on July 16, 2023. To begin the application process, interested youth and parents are invited to attend an upcoming in-person or virtual information session. These sessions are a mandatory part of the application process and are listed on the MYCA events page.

• Area codes 231, 269, 517, 616 and 906 - contact Joan Miller at 269-968-1368
• Area codes 248, 313, 586, 734, 810 and 989 - contact Frank Vasquez at 269-968-1397