National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Project

Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy

Montana

The Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy assists at-risk Montana youth in developing skills and abilities necessary to become productive citizens through focusing upon the physical, emotional, and educational needs of the youth within a highly structured environment.

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    News & Events

    BLM Recognizes Cadets

    MYCA Grad Warrior Of The Week

    We have an awesome story to share...

    Challenge Member Honored

    Class 26 Underway

    Class 26 held its Crossover ceremony Thursday, January 26, 2012.  In order to keep things rolling right along, classes started Friday morning after Cadets received their second gear issue, and the needed school supplies.  Over the weekend, Cadets have already been committed to perform Service to the Community.  Things are always busy here at the Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy!

    Class 25 Graduates!

    The Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy held its 25th commencement ceremony Saturday, December 17, 2011.  This "silver" ceremony was another milestone reached, and entertained a host of important key figures in MYCA's existence.  Guests were treated to guest speakers former Governor Judy Martz, AG (Ret) Gene Prendergast, Commissioner of Higher Education Sheila Stearns, and current AG John Walsh.  Many awards were given, tears of joy were shed, and laughter rang through the halls.  Best wishes to the Class 25 graduates of MYCA!

    MYCA's 25th Ceremony Brings Familiar Faces to Town

    In recognition of the 25th class to graduate from the Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy, invitations have been extended to some important key individuals who were a part of making ChalleNGe a reality in Montana as of 1999.  Some of these folks include, Chuck Swysgood, former Governor of Montana Judy Martz, and both former Director's Mike Royer and Reid Lund.  Please, join us in celebrating the graduation of Class 25's Cadets on Saturday, December 17th at 1:00p.m. in the Straugh Gymnasium of the University of Montana - Western.

    Birch Creek Success

    Birch Creek was all the Cadets could ask it to be this cycle!  Beautiful weather, exciting events, and some nice relaxation time.  There are some photos in the Class 25 photo album, and your Cadet probably has lot's of stories to share!

    Marching In

    Our Cadets enjoyed a beautiful sunny day for their road march in to Birch Creek on Tuesday.  The weather has continued to be wonderful for them to enjoy their many outdoor activities in the mountains this week!

                        1st Platoon

    ChalleNGe Seeking Mentors

    MYCA's Post Residential (Mentor) Department is seeking Mentors for four of our current Cadets.  We need one Mentor from each of the following communities; Missoula, Great Falls, Hardin, & Glendive.  If you, or someone you know would be interested in becoming a Mentor for one of our Cadets, please get in touch with Michelle, our Post Residential Coordinator at 1-406-683-7512, or m_nelon@umwestern.edu.

    GED #1

    Our first round of GED testing is only a month away, and the Cadets for Class 25 are studiously preparing.  They have already participated in a practice GED test session that gave them a real taste of what to expect. 

    Birch Creek

    Class 25 heads to the mountains on the 6th.  Weather permitting they will be marching nine miles in to camp.  The following three days will be full of activities from tye dying to land navigation to a Low Ropes Course.  A good dose of fresh mountain air is just what the doctor ordered!

    Labor Day

    Class 25 Cadets will once again march in the annual Labor Day Parade on Monday.

    It's YOUR Choice

    Class 24 Parents Can Order Photos Online

    MYCA is pleased to announce that parents and family and friends can now order their Cadet's cap & gown photos online at 

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  • UM President Visits MYCA

    L to R, Deputy Director Trent Gibson, Cadet Gone, Cadet Goudge, President Royce Engstrom, Vice-President Jim Foley, Cadet Novakovich, Cadet Hust, Director Jan Rouse

     

    Projects Our Cadets Do

    The Cadets from the Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy are able to participate in and help with Service to the Community projects ranging from tutoring at the elementary school to highway clean-up. Some of their favorite projects and of course most enjoyable would be: 

    Class Rings

    To find out more information on Class Rings, and to place your order please contact the Jostens representative directly at 406-443-3844.

     

    Bulletin Board

    Feel free to post your comments and questions on the Bulletin Board. Many parents and family members find the Bulletin Board a convenient way to discuss their experiences and to seek and offer support. Please note, the Cadets do NOT have access to the Bulletin Board and therefore will not have the opportunity to read any postings.  To contact a staff member see the Program Staff page for phone numbers or call the toll free number, 1-877-FOR-MYCP.