Montana youth challenge academy
Welcome Class 48
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Montana youth challenge academy
Welcome Class 48
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Congratulations on your selection for Class 48 of the Montana Youth Challenge Academy. I commend you on your decision to take a step toward a bright future. The Academy will help you grow and make improvements in many areas of your life.
I encourage you to come to the Academy ready to put forth your best effort as you navigate this next phase of your life. The Academy is designed to challenge you and bring out your best. Remember, YOU have what it takes to complete the program and our dedicated staff are here to help you with the process.
RISE UP!
-Director Trent Gibson
You've made the tough but potentially life-changing commitment to sending your young person to our program. You've placed your trust not only in the program, but in your young person, to become the best version of themselves that they can be.
Ultimately, the difference between success and failure is slim- it's in the decision to stick with the program through those moments when the going gets tough. Your rock-solid commitment to seeing your young person graduate could be the deciding factor in their success! I want to extend my gratitude to you in advance for this decision. I look forward to getting to know your student, and working together toward your student's success.
-Deputy Director Laura Thomas
The Challenge program has three phases:
Acclimation (11 days): Candidates and their parents/guardians decide to commit to completing the program
Residential Phase (5.5 months): Cadets complete all program requirements necessary for graduation
Post-Residential Phase (12 months): Cadets work with their mentor to implement positive life plans
Platoon counselors serve as your main point of contact during the Residential Phase.
During Acclimation, you will find out who your child’s platoon counselor will be. Their contact information will be in your Parent Handbook, which you will receive on Registration Day.
You’re encouraged to prepare yourself for the possibility of some acting out and wavering commitment from your youth during the early days of the program; homesickness, relationships with new peers, and the intensity of the training schedule all play a role in these difficult feelings. Your commitment to your youth’s success, along with your belief in their abilities, can make a critical difference in their success.
Family visits are very important to cadets! Please plan for these events, and encourage your youth to earn them:
Pass #1: Sunday, March 12, 2023
Pass #2: Sunday, April 16, 2023
Home Pass: Thursday, May 25, 2023 - Monday, May 29, 2023
Save the Date! Graduation from the Residential Phase is Saturday, June 17, 2023!
NEXT STEPS FOR YOU
(click the dropdown arrows to view details for each step)
Start looking for a mentor for your youth; it is a program requirement for each cadet to have a mentor.
Cadets whose mentors are engaged and committed have a very good chance of long term success. More than 80% of cadets with committed mentors succeed!
Cadets do best with mentors they already know, like, and trust.
Submit your mentor application before Registration Day.
If you have not secured a mentor, please print & complete the Mentor Application Packet by CLICKING HERE.
Mailing details are included in the packet. This is a view-only document, for your privacy it should not be edited electronically. A Mentor Application Packet is also mailed to you once your youth's application has been reviewed and accepted through our Board Review. Only one Mentor Packet is necessary.
If you have already completed a Mentor Packet then continue to step 2.
Paths to graduation differ, based on your youth’s age, number of high school credits previously earned, and other factors.
Start deciding your candidate’s plan now: will they return to high school with credit recovery through the Academy, or will they take the HiSET exam?
If your candidate is planning to return to high school, please verify with the school that this plan is realistic.
Cadets can earn up to 3.5 semester credits at MYCA.
Bring only the items from THIS LIST to Registration Day.
We understand a few items may currently be out of season or difficult to find. Bring what you can to Registration.
The Academy will help support you and your youth in acquiring those additional items.
Items not on this list will be collected from the candidate and returned to family members to take home.
Regional Orientations will be held across the State in November and January. Details for the January events are TBD at this time, please select the event that works best for your family. Our staff will send additional details as those events near.
Candidates and their parents/guardians should attend one of these events. You will meet other candidates, families, and some staff. There will be an opportunity to put faces to names and to ask questions before Registration Day.
Place your RSVP by completing the form linked HERE.
CLASS 48 ORIENTATION OPTIONS
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH AT 5:30 PM
BILLINGS: Billings Armory located at 2915 Gabel Road, Billings, MT 59102.
Event host: Kevin Roche at (406) 925-1562
TUESDAY, JANUARY 3RD
GREAT FALLS: Details are to be determined.
Event host: Tom Fenley at (406) 925-9471
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4TH
HELENA: Details are to be determined.
Event host: Tom Fenley at (406) 925-9471
MISSOULA: Details are to be determined.
Event host: Ty Robinson at (406) 925-3894
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5TH
KALISPELL: Details are to be determined.
Event host: Ty Robinson at (406) 925-3894
BOZEMAN: Details are to be determined.
Event host: Tom Fenley at (406) 925-9471
Admissions Counselors will begin contacting families on JANUARY 6TH.
Appointment times for the Class 48 Registration Day will be coordinated during this time.
It is important to know that by confirming your appointment for Registration Day, we are guaranteeing a spot for your child during this class. This means that a potential opportunity for an applicant on our waitlist may never happen or their wait time may be extended until our next class. For these reasons, we ask you to closely reflect on your decision to stick with the program despite the highs and lows that you may experience. It is your support (and sometimes tough love) that could end up being the deciding factor in seeing your young person graduate.
We ask that if you have reservations about the process at any time, to communicate with our staff. Change can be uncomfortable for all involved; however, our team is here to support you and your youth in achieving the shared mission of graduation. When you commit to the program you are joining the Challenge family, and we take that commitment as seriously as the commitment to family.
MYCA Facebook (click here to view our page)
Updates are made frequently during Acclimation.
Once candidates crossover to become official cadets and move to Clark Hall to begin the Residential Phase, families and friends can expect weekly updates through Facebook.
Staff cannot fulfill specific photo requests of candidates.
MYCA social media channels can answer general program questions; however, specific cadet-related inquiries will be directed to Platoon Counselors per the Academy's Privacy Policy.
Facebook is a privilege that we enjoy being able to offer to families, friends, and stakeholders. It is a place for positive words of encouragement, class updates, and general program information. More details about MYCA's Terms of Use can be found on the Facebook Page.
MYCA Website (click here to view our website)
Many resources are available to you on the Academy website: www.mycacademy.org
Examples include: copy of the packing list, Parent Handbook, Staff Directory, employment opportunities, review submission form, and mentor information
SHOP CUSTOMIZABLE MYCA SPIRITWEAR (click here to browse and shop)
15% of proceeds are collected by the Montana Youth Challenge Academy Foundation. These funds help support current and future cadets with various activities and needs.
Contact Squad Locker directly for any customer service related needs or inquiries.
Please expect longer than normal production time due to national delays and shortages currently being experienced.
what graduates are saying...
(Click the dropdown to view)
MYC opened my eyes, and made me want the best for myself and helped me develop the motivation and discipline I needed in order to succeed, it actually changed my life. And for that I’m forever grateful. My plan for the future is to join the Army National Guard and come back and work for the Program. You guys saved me and changed my life, so coming back and being a part of MYC again is my dream.
Dominique McGrew, Class 44
This program was so amazing I cant even begin to describe it. The bond I formed with my platoon was nothing short of a miracle. The changes I saw in myself were outstanding. Not only did I achieve my HiSET but I gained brothers along the way, and learned leadership skills that I couldn't have learned anywhere else. My position as Executive Officer will forever be one of my greatest achievements. Now that I'm back home I'm able to apply the knowledge I've gained to everyday life. I'm working full time while taking classes at my hometown college. My CIs and the staff did very well in putting me on the right path to success. #Riseup
Wyatt Burman, Class 44
Prior to attending the Montana Youth Challenge Academy, my life had slowly started to fall apart. I needed a way to to get back on track but little did I know that on July 20, 2021, my life was about to change for the better. Soon after arriving everything seemed to come together and I could notice all my hard work. I felt a great sense of pride and accomplishment that I have never felt before. During my time at MYCA I learned respect, discipline, and motivation. My plans for the future are to return to Malta High School to graduate and then I plan to join the Army National Guard. After that I want to attend the University of Montana Western to pursue a degree in psychology. MYCA has changed my life forever and I couldn't have done it without all of the amazing staff.
Karley Weston, Class 45
what families are saying...
(Click the dropdown to view)
My son, Jace Benedict, is a graduate of class 43. Prior to MYCA and through a series of difficult life changing events and stressors, my son was in a downward spiral emotionally and on a self-destructive path. The situation became increasingly worse and it was clear we were both desperate for help. That is when I contacted MYCA. Tom Fenley was the first of many staff members to provide help and most of all- hope. When I had a moment of doubt, Tom told me not to give up. This was the first of many words of encouragement from staff for both Jace and I throughout the program. My son went into MYCA an out of control young teen and came out a self-controlled , balanced and mature young man. Montana Youth Challenge Academy taught Jace life skills, coping mechanisms, discipline, perseverance, camaraderie (and so much more) which increased his self confidence and worth. Our relationship improved exponentially. Jace is currently a senior in high school and on the honor roll . He will be graduating May 2022. He has a summer job already in place and plans to apply for Job Corps training. This program redirected the trajectory of my son’s life and his future. MYCA changes/saves lives! For those parents and guardians who are experiencing problems with your teens, allow MYCA the opportunity to help. Do not give up, be willing to participate. All of you can and will grow through the tears! A heartfelt thank you to everyone at Montana Youth Challenge Academy.
Respectfully, Donna Peppenger, Parent of Class 43 graduate- Cadet Benedict
I cannot say enough good things about this program. How blessed we are to have this in Montana, at no cost to families. They truly care about these kids, and do everything in their power to set them up for success. The son that I dropped off in July, is not the same son I got back in December. It wasn’t easy, it’s called “challenge” for a reason. The confidence that these young men and women build up over the months is amazing to watch. THANK YOU MYCA for everything you do!!
Melissa Malcom, Parent of Class 45 graduate- Cadet Malcom
Before Challenge, Andrew was depressed, low energy, never left his room, most mornings I could not get him out of bed, he would cry hard and said he didn’t want to live anymore, life had no purpose and no meaning! [….] When his best Friend graduated MYCA in Class 41, Andrew saw the change in him and described it as magical! Andrew wanted that! So he enrolled for class 42, went for 3 months until COVID hit and was sent home... In just three months the change was amazing! He had the choice to go back and graduate with his original Class 42. He said no due to a desire for the whole experience, so he reapplied for Class 43! THIS PROGRAM SAVED MY SONS LIFE!!!!!! He was a Sergeant of his platoon (really my son the one who never left his room etc.…..) YES, how cool is that! Andrew has turned in to a man with a purpose, and life has meaning and hope and opportunities. I simply say THANK YOU MYCA for bringing my son back to life and for giving him the confidence and leadership capabilities to help him through whatever life throws at him!
Bobbie Wooldridge, Parent of Class 43 graduate- Cadet Wooldridge