Michigan Youth Challenge Academy Class #49 to Graduate on December 16

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) will hold a graduation ceremony for 103 cadets of class #49 at 10 a.m. on Dec. 16, 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, Bay, Branch, Calhoun, Cheboygan, Clare, Clinton, Crawford, Eaton, Genesee, Grand Traverse, Hillsdale, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Lenawee, Macomb, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Ottawa, Saginaw, Shiawassee, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Washtenaw and Wayne.

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 103 anticipated graduates in this cycle, 87 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 5,777 hours of community service to help individuals and organizations in the Battle Creek area.

Class #50 will begin on Jan. 14, 2024 and the MYCA is encouraging interested cadets and families to submit their application as quickly as possible here: Admissions Process. For more information:

• 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

Graduates of the MYCA are eligible for the Michigan Job Challenge Program, an extension program of the MYCA, which teaches workplace essentials, provides opportunities to learn a skilled trade and assists with job placement. Visit Michigan Job Challenge Program for more information.