A Transformative Journey Begins
On a frigid January morning in Battle Creek, Michigan, families gather outside the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) building, bracing for a poignant farewell. These families are parting with their teenagers, some tearful and others resolute, knowing it will be 154 days before they can see their children again.
The MYCA is a beacon of hope for adolescents who have struggled with discipline and academics. These are students who, due to a range of challenges, have been expelled or suspended from traditional schools. The academy offers them a fresh start through a structured, military-style program focused on personal growth and academic recovery.
Starting the Journey: The Acclimation Phase
Families bidding Farewell to their loved onesPhoto byMichigan Youth Challenge
Upon arrival, the teenagers—100 boys and 45 girls—are introduced to their new environment. They receive a bag full of gear and clothes, and their first two weeks are spent as “candidates,” learning the basics of military discipline.