Fall 2025 runs July 2025 - December 2025.
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 15 1/2 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.
Cycles begin mid-January and mid-July of each year. The application process takes place in the preceding four to five months.
*A youth who is not yet 16 on day one but will turn 16 before the last day of the cycle is considered 15 1/2 years old. Youth aged 15 1/2 upon entry may only do credit recovery and must return to high school to finish.
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.
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