LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) admissions process is now open for the academy’s next class, Cycle #53, which begins on July 13, 2025. To begin the application process, interested youth and parents can visit the admissions page here,
Admissions Process. In-person information sessions, a mandatory part of the application process, are listed below. For more information on upcoming sessions, please visit the MYCA
events page.
- March 26 – Benton Harbor
- March 29 – Grand Rapids
- March 31 – Sturgis
- April 1 – Jackson
- April 2 – Detroit
- April 5 – Lansing
- April 7 – Battle Creek
- April 9 – Flint
- April 16 – Ypsilanti
- April 29 – Traverse City
- May 5 – Grandville
- May 10 – Ann Arbor
- May 12 – Battle Creek
- May 17 – Lansing
- May 19 – Grayling
- May 20 – Alpena
- May 21 – Sault Ste. Marie
- May 28 – Kalamazoo
- June 07 – Detroit
At least one parent/guardian and applicant must be in attendance. The academy is encouraging youth and parents to begin the
admissions process prior to attending an information session. For more information, contact Jayme Ham at 269-968-1397, Joan Miller at 269-968-1368 or Yasser Quadri at 269-968-1048.
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. Candidates for the academy are 15 1/2-18 years old and are at risk of not graduating high school. Because of the voluntary nature of the program, applicants cannot be mandated to attend by parents or the justice system and there is no requirement for military obligation. 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.
