'You see the confidence in their eyes': Michigan Youth Challenge Academy taking applications

Liz Shepard, Battle Creek Enquirer
·3 min read
MYCA cadets sit at attention during a math class.
MYCA cadets sit at attention during a math class.

BATTLE CREEK - For nearly 25 years, the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy has worked to find a new path to success for teens.

It is a 17-month-long, quasi-military program, including a 22-week stay at the academy's Battle Creek site.

And it is completely voluntary for the kids and at no cost.

"I really enjoy seeing the growth and the change in the kids when they come in, looking at the self discipline … self esteem, their physical demeanor. ... You see the confidence in their eyes, you see the success in their posture and who they are," said Michael Gillum, the academy's director.

The admission process is now open for the academy's next class, which begins Jan. 14.

Since 1998, the academy had seen 4,767 kids graduate from the program.

Finding a new way to success

Gillum said the program is not looking to take successful kids out of already successful settings. It is for kids who may be on a path not leading to a high school diploma.

"(The academy is for) those that are struggling with traditional schools, those having hard time being successful," he said.

Applicants are between 15 1/2 and 18 years old and must be a resident of Michigan with no felonies. Gillum said each class is capped at 160 students. He said roughly 65% of participants complete the program.

The program starts with two weeks of basic training at Fort Custer. Gillum said the cadets, he fondly refers to as "kiddos," are taught how to march, stand, sit and talk along with other military trainings, courtesies and customs.

The program also partners with Marshall Schools to focus on academic excellence and earning high school degrees, fostering a desire to give back through community service, and offers exposure to skilled trades.

"You see them start to identify with their future, starting to set some goals, you see a huge increase in self regulation, some impulse control," Gillum said.

MYCA Cadet Ambassadors Garbrecht, Reybuck, Tompkins and Stewart share their experiences with interested youth at the American Legion Post 200 in Taylor.
MYCA Cadet Ambassadors Garbrecht, Reybuck, Tompkins and Stewart share their experiences with interested youth at the American Legion Post 200 in Taylor.

How to apply

To begin the application process, interested youth and parents can visit the admissions page 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 academy, which teaches workplace essentials, provides opportunities to learn a skilled trade and assists with job placement. Visit the Michigan Job Challenge Program for more information.

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Cadets at the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy get a high school diploma and learn life coping skills, leadership skills and self-discipline, among other things.
Cadets at the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy get a high school diploma and learn life coping skills, leadership skills and self-discipline, among other things.

Informational sessions

  • Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to noon: Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, 151 E. Crosstown Parkway, Suite A

  • Oct. 17, 6 to 8 p.m.: VA Medical Center, building 138, 5500 Armstrong Road, Battle Creek

  • Oct. 24, 6 to 8 p.m.: Doyle Community Center, 310 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis

  • Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to noon: Carnegie Library, McIntyre Room, 244 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson

  • Nov. 29, 3 to 5 p.m.: MiWorks!, Anchor Room B, 499 West Main St., Benton Harbor

Contact Liz Shepard at lshepard@gannett.com.

MYCA cadets perform community service at a local food bank. The last class which graduated over the summer performed more than 4,400 hours of community service to help individuals and organizations.
MYCA cadets perform community service at a local food bank. The last class which graduated over the summer performed more than 4,400 hours of community service to help individuals and organizations.

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Michigan Youth Challenge Academy taking applications