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.

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.

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