| The Michigan Freedom Academy is a leadership development
program for high school students possessing a cumulative academic grade point
average of 2.5 or better, and preparing to enter their junior or senior year.
Students selected from a diverse cross-section of
Michigan's leadership oriented youth come together to discuss a variety of
issues in the areas of education, business, civil government,
law enforcement, drug demand reduction, national defense, and the basic
perspectives on the freedoms and privileges provided by the Bill
of Rights of the United States.
Other than transportation* to and from the Alpena Combat Readiness Training
Center, delegates attend the Academy at no personal expense.
Funding for the Michigan Freedom Academy is provided by the Michigan Freedom
Foundation, which was founded in 1984 and is composed of
corporate and civil leaders throughout Michigan who support the Academy with
private and corporate contributions. The Foundation
insures equal opportunity for all applicants to be selected as delegates, and
actively promotes increased participation by female and
minority youth.
Delegates are well taken care of during their stay. Delegates are assigned
to flights (groups) of 10-12 members with 2 trained,
screened, and qualified counselors for each flight. The delegates are
provided three nutritious meals each day and are housed in
supervised, safe, secure barracks, and medical staff is always onsite.
Parents are provided emergency contact information in the event
they need to contact their child or the Academy staff.
The 2009 Freedom Academy starts on Sunday, July 12th, and ends on Friday,
July 17th. On Sunday, the delegates are asked to arrive at
the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center between 1:00-2:00 pm. Delegates
may drive themselves to the Academy, however, all vehicle
keys will be surrendered and locked up until graduation day. Parents
bringing delegates to Alpena are encouraged to meet the Academy
staff, review the agenda, and get acquainted with the facility. The week
concludes with an Academy graduation ceremony on Friday.
Parents are invited to attend the ceremony and share in the wonderful
experiences of their delegates. All events will conclude at
approximately 12:30 pm at which time the delegates are released.
Counselors and staff of the Michigan Freedom Academy are screened and trained
volunteers from colleges, the civilian sector, and the
Michigan Air and Army National Guard. Although the Freedom Academy is
sponsored in part by the Army and Air National Guard, it is NOT a
recruiting event nor a "boot camp" environment.
The Michigan Freedom Academy believes in making an investment in our state's
youth. Everyone involved inspires delegates to gain a
better understanding and appreciation for what it means to live in our great
nation. We strive to help the delegates understand why
it's important to preserve our freedoms for future generations.
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Freedom Academy is to instill, promote, and sharpen a
delegate's basic value and appreciation for human freedoms as promulgated by
the Constitution of the United States and the state of Michigan, and to
encourage the pursuit and assumption of leadership roles by promising young
adults, as a means of assuring the survival and success of these ideals.
Freedom Foundation: The
The Michigan Freedom Foundation was formed in 1984 by a group of business and
military leaders interested in exposing high school age
students to a greater awareness of the obligation and responsibilities
inherent to a free, democratic society. (click here to learn
more)
A Typical Day at the Academy:
A typical day during the 6-day stay starts with wakeup/hygiene at 6:00 am and
lights out at 11:00 pm. The days' activities include a
combination of individual challenges, team building exercises, large and
small group discussions, high-profile speakers, and social
activities. Past speakers have included U.S. Senator Carl Levin, former
Michigan Attorneys General Frank J. Kelley and now Governor
Jennifer Granholm, Mary Ellen Sheets founder of "Two Men and a Truck, Judge
(Ret) Howard Cascarelli, Larry Johnson founder of
"Brotherhood Against Drugs", Brad Matuzak from Power House Youth Ministries,
and the Tuskegee Airmen. Activities include lively debate,
obstacle course, rappelling, wall climbing, laser tag, and the end of camp
Raft Race, plus much more! All Delegates also have the
opportunity to earn CPR certification and the Presidential Fitness
Certificate as well as compete in a speaking contest and a writing
contest.
Admission Requirements:
Any high school student may apply to the Academy in their sophomore or junior
year, if they:
- have a desire to meet other future leaders
- have a grade point
average of 2.5 or better
- are active in extra-curricular
activities
- plan to attend or are seeking the means to attend
college
- have transportation to and from Alpena*
- have
medical insurance** and must bring insurance card with them
- want to
experience a cost-free week of fun, mentorship, and camaraderie!
Prospective delegates may be nominated by recommendations from members of
Michigan's congressional delegation, school guidance
counselors, Michigan's V.F.W. posts, civil leaders, former Freedom Academy
delegates, or by direct online application.
Delegates from the past year that are now juniors may attend a second session
of the Freedom Academy if they bring one new delegate
(never attended) with them.
*Please let us know if transportation to and/or from Alpena is preventing
a delegate from attending. We may be able
to help. Please call the Freedom Academy Hotline at 517-481-8285.
**All delegates must have current medical insurance to attend the Academy.
If you do not have insurance, you may be eligible for
coverage under the MIChild program. You will find information about MIChild
and other possible insurance programs by going to www.Michigan.gov/mdch and at www.healthinsurancesort.com .
Location: The Academy is held at the Alpena
Combat Readiness Training Center. The CRTC is 3.5
miles west of Alpena, Michigan, at the NW side of Phelps Collins Airport on
Highway M 32.
Awards and Certifications
Arthur P. Tesner Leadership Award: Win a $1,000 scholarship! The Arthur P. Tesner Leadership Award was created in the memory of a citizen soldier at his best. The award is given to the student that best exemplifies the spirit of leadership promoted by the Freedom Academy and displayed by Brigadier General Arthur P. Tesner.
2009 Tesner Award Winner: Christopher Taylor Proctor
Presidential Fitness Award: (click here for details)
- 1-mile
- Sit-ups
- Push-ups
- Shuttle Run
- V-stretch
CPR Certification: All delegates have an opportunity to learn CPR and earn certification.
Contests
Speech Contest: Win a $100 or $50 savings bond! (click here for details)
The 2009 winners were:
1st place: Madara Kirsa from Liepaja, Latvia
2nd place: TBA
3rd place: TBA
Writing Contest: Win a $100 or $50 savings bond! (click here for details)
The 2008 winners were:
1st place: Shanda Stosick from Alpena, Michigan
2nd place: TBA
3rd place: TBA
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