The Michigan Youth Challenge Academy has helped thousands of “at-promise” young adults get back on track and see their full potential since 1999.
The Michigan Youth Challenge Academy offers at-risk males and females ages 16 through 18 an opportunity to graduate high school and realize positive life changes through an intensive five and a half month residential and 12-month post-residential program. In addition to academics, many other areas are developed, including leadership and followership, job skills, physical fitness, life coping skills, service to community and more, in a military-like and structured environment without distractions. The Michigan Youth Challenge Academy is a program of the National Guard and is FREE to parents. There is no obligation for youth to enter the military upon completion.
This video describes four civil military outreach programs that the U.S. Department of Defense prioritizes to provide leadership, educational opportunities and community partnerships for young citizens.
This video provides a virtual tour of the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy.
Michigan Youth Challenge Academy is taking reservations to participate in orientations for youth and parents interested in attending Cycle 49 to begin mid-July, 2023. Orientation is a mandatory first step in the application process and can be done virtually or in-person. Application materials will be provided following orientation attendance.
Please see our Events page for a list of orientations and the applicable Orientation Registration form for each date.
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
