The Michigan Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA)
Providing Purpose and Direction for the Future of Michigan's Youth. The MYCA is a no-cost, voluntary residential program where 16-19 year old high school drop-outs or those in danger of dropping out come to improve their lives. The MYCA is funded through state and federal sources and is administered by the Army National Guard at Fort Custer and the VA Hospital Grounds in Battle Creek, Michigan. The highly qualified and Michigan certified classroom teachers are employees of Battle Creek Public Schools. Graduates of the MYCA earn a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), a vocational work certificate, 15 college credits, and an immediate boost in rank and pay if they choose to join a branch of the armed services. Over the past two years, Elk Rapids High School (ERHS) has proudly supported 2 graduates of MYCA and several more are on track for graduation this year. For more information about MYCA check out the resources below or contact Mr. Jerry Papazian, At-Risk Counselor [email protected].
Michigan Youth Challenge Academy - Web Site
https://www.ngycp.org/site/state/mi/
Elk Rapids student graduates from Michigan Youth Challenge Academy
The Antrim Review - Contributed by Jerry Papazian | Posted: Thursday, July 5, 2012 3:00 am
ELK RAPIDS - Mitchell Young, a former student of Elk Rapids High School, recently achieved a milestone in his life when he successfully graduated from Battle Creek’s Michigan Youth Challenge Academy.
At 18, just a few months ago the Elk Rapids resident had few credits necessary for graduating and was on the verge of dropping out of school altogether until Elk Rapids High School Principal Mike Travis, In-school Suspension Supervisor Emmett Dovick, and Elk Rapids counselor Jerry erry Papazian intervened, suggesting that he consider attending the downstate academy, which does not charge tuition and is sponsored by the Michigan National Guard with support from Michigan’s legislators.
Not only would Young be able to earn his GED but also up to 15 hours of college credit, along with a sense of pride in completing an intense 22 week military style boot camp and education program.
At first Young was resistant to the idea, but was convinced after Dovick, a very persuasive former football coach, laid out grim prospects for Mitch’s future. As he warmed to the idea, Travis set up an exercise and weight lifting program for the young man in preparation for the first two weeks of a very intensive, disciplined military style boot camp for 17 and 18 year-olds.
In early June, the young man who just a few months earlier had difficulty looking people in the eye, little to no motivation, was failing all six of his classes, and was on probation in Antrim County smiled proudly as he accepted his Certificate of Completion in front of family, friends, and staff from Elk Rapids Schools.
He had earned eight awards, including Cadet of the Week, received nearly straight “A’s” in his academic courses and passed his GED, but perhaps even more importantly, Mitch Young walked across that auditorium stage in Battle Creek and looked into the eyes of Brigadier General Michael A. Stone, Assistant Adjutant General, Michigan National Guard and Michigan Senator, Mike Nofs, 19th Senate District, as he shook their hands and smiled as his picture was taken.
For the next year, the young man will continue to be under the direct supervision of his mother and mentors Emmett Dovick and Mike Travis as he holds down a job and prepares for college.
Mitch Young’s story is not unique. Unfortunately, many teens today lack drive, motivation and confidence in themselves. Many of these students may have experienced conflict at home, witnessed serious tragedies in their lives, become homeless, or gotten involved in the ever-increasing usage of drugs and alcohol.
Many teens just give up because they are overwhelmed by the circumstances within their environment. Mitch Young did not. The Marines have a motto, “improvise, adapt and overcome.” That’s what Mitch Young did with the help of caring educators like Emmett Dovick and Mike Travis.
http://m.antrimreview.net/mobile/local_news/article_f7afc686-c535-11e1-9692-0019bb30f31a.html
At 18, just a few months ago the Elk Rapids resident had few credits necessary for graduating and was on the verge of dropping out of school altogether until Elk Rapids High School Principal Mike Travis, In-school Suspension Supervisor Emmett Dovick, and Elk Rapids counselor Jerry erry Papazian intervened, suggesting that he consider attending the downstate academy, which does not charge tuition and is sponsored by the Michigan National Guard with support from Michigan’s legislators.
Not only would Young be able to earn his GED but also up to 15 hours of college credit, along with a sense of pride in completing an intense 22 week military style boot camp and education program.
At first Young was resistant to the idea, but was convinced after Dovick, a very persuasive former football coach, laid out grim prospects for Mitch’s future. As he warmed to the idea, Travis set up an exercise and weight lifting program for the young man in preparation for the first two weeks of a very intensive, disciplined military style boot camp for 17 and 18 year-olds.
In early June, the young man who just a few months earlier had difficulty looking people in the eye, little to no motivation, was failing all six of his classes, and was on probation in Antrim County smiled proudly as he accepted his Certificate of Completion in front of family, friends, and staff from Elk Rapids Schools.
He had earned eight awards, including Cadet of the Week, received nearly straight “A’s” in his academic courses and passed his GED, but perhaps even more importantly, Mitch Young walked across that auditorium stage in Battle Creek and looked into the eyes of Brigadier General Michael A. Stone, Assistant Adjutant General, Michigan National Guard and Michigan Senator, Mike Nofs, 19th Senate District, as he shook their hands and smiled as his picture was taken.
For the next year, the young man will continue to be under the direct supervision of his mother and mentors Emmett Dovick and Mike Travis as he holds down a job and prepares for college.
Mitch Young’s story is not unique. Unfortunately, many teens today lack drive, motivation and confidence in themselves. Many of these students may have experienced conflict at home, witnessed serious tragedies in their lives, become homeless, or gotten involved in the ever-increasing usage of drugs and alcohol.
Many teens just give up because they are overwhelmed by the circumstances within their environment. Mitch Young did not. The Marines have a motto, “improvise, adapt and overcome.” That’s what Mitch Young did with the help of caring educators like Emmett Dovick and Mike Travis.
http://m.antrimreview.net/mobile/local_news/article_f7afc686-c535-11e1-9692-0019bb30f31a.html
Michigan Youth Challenge Academy - Resource Documents
cadet_application_2012.pdf | |
File Size: | 1686 kb |
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mentor_application__2012.pdf | |
File Size: | 317 kb |
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monthly_mentor_report_form.pdf | |
File Size: | 59 kb |
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parent_monthly_report_form.pdf | |
File Size: | 58 kb |
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graduate_monthly_report_form.pdf | |
File Size: | 59 kb |
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