RECORD REQUESTS

Montana Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) protects the privacy of all cadet records in accordance with state and federal law. To request copies of records, you must complete the official Records Request and Authorization for Release of Confidential Information Form (below). 

Who may request records:

• While enrolled and under 18: A parent or legal guardian may request their cadet's records. 

• After graduation or upon turning 18: Cadets may request their own records. Parents, guardians, or other representatives may only access records if the cadet provides signed written consent authorizing the release. 

Response times:

MYCA strives to respond to completed requests within 10 business days. However, under Montana law (MCA 2-6-1006) and federal FERPA regulations, agencies may extend response times when necessary.

Please note that delays may occur during:

• Scheduled program downtime (two three-week periods each year)

• Academy training weeks 

• The first weeks of a new class cycle, when staff resources are fully dedicated to cadet in-processing

In these circumstances, MYCA will acknowledge your request and let you know if we need more time. All requests will be fulfilled as quickly as possible and always within the minimum timelines that are set by law. 

Limitations:

MYCA can only release records maintained by the Academy. Requests for records generated or held by other agencies, schools, healthcare providers, or outside programs cannot be fulfilled by MYCA and should be directed to the entity that maintains those records. 

Below is additional information for common record requests MYCA cannot fulfill: 

Medical Treatment or Mental Health Records- must be requested directly from the cadet's care provider.

 Special Education documents- most recently attended school.

 Cumulative, or an Official file for a cadet's lifetime schooling- most recently attended school.

The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) and  Adult Education have directed MYCA not to send GED or HiSET records to MYCA graduates, even for education or job placement purposes. Please use the guidance below to get the correct education records for your situation.

MYCA graduates who received a state HSE Diploma (HiSET or GED) should go to https://diplomasender.com/registration and request their transcript there. They will need the date of testing (month and year) and the testing location (Dillon).

From the OPI GED/HiSET page: OPI has partnered with DiplomaSender to manage High School Equivalency education verifications. DiplomaSender is the sole entity entrusted to provide an official high school equivalency attainment record for Montana HSE earners. Please visit https://diplomasender.com/ or contact them directly at 855-313-5799 for further assistance. If you have questions about your existing third-party account or need to create a new account, Diploma Sender is available to assist. Email them at thirdpartysupport@diplomasender.com.

MYCA graduates who received a diploma from their home high school should contact their high school to get their education records.

MYCA graduates who received a state high school diploma (Classes 46 (fall 2022) and later), please download and return a completed records request form. Return the form to the email or address indicated on the form.

Contact Information:
If you have questions before submitting a request, please contact:
Montana Youth Challenge Academy- Administrative Assistant to the Director
Phone: (406)960-4424
Email: deirdre.murray@mycacademy.org