The Montana Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) was established in September 1999 and is located in Dillon, Montana on the campus of the University of Montana-Western. MYCA is sponsored by the Montana National Guard and is a voluntary, 17 month program consisting of two phases: a 22-week Residential Phase, which includes an 11-day Acclimation period, followed by a 12 month Post Residential Phase, commo
nly known as the “mentoring” phase. MYCA provides services for Montana youth 16-18 years of age and focuses on 8 CORE components: Academic Excellence, Leadership/Followership, Responsible Citizenship, Job Skills, Physical Fitness, Service to Community, Life Coping Skills, and Health & Hygiene. The Montana Youth Challenge Academy is funded 75% by the federal government and 25% by the State of Montana. It is virtually cost-free to participants and their families. MYCA affords high quality educational opportunities that promote long-term academic success including HiSET (GED) testing and a High School Credit Recovery Program. To date, MYCA has graduated 2,539 Cadets who have performed more than 129,000 cumulative work-hours in support of service to community projects throughout the state. Eligibility Criteria:
• Be withdrawn or transfer from high school
• Be 16 to 18 years old upon enrollment
• Be a United States citizen & Montana resident
• Pass our physical exam and be drug free
• Not be on probation and no felonies
Contact Information:
Phone: 1-877-367-6927
Website: www.youthchallenge.mt.gov
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MYCAcademy