Michigan Youth Challenge Academy Class #54 to Graduate on June 13

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) will hold a graduation ceremony for 114 cadets at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Marshall High School at 701 N. Marshall Ave., Marshall, MI 49068. Doors will open at 9 a.m. and this year's congratulatory remarks will be provided by Senator Thomas Albert.

WHO: MYCA cadets and family members; MYCA staff; Senator Thomas Albert
WHAT: MYCA Graduation Ceremony
WHEN: Saturday, June 13 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: 701 N. Marshall Ave., Marshall, MI 49068

The graduating class consists of cadets from across the state, hailing from 43 different counties: Alcona, Alger, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Barry, Bay, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Clinton, Eaton, Grand Traverse, Genessee, Gogebic, Hillsdale, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Iosco, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Mackinac, Macomb, Mason, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Oakland, Osceola, Ottawa, Saginaw, St. Joseph, St. Clair, Tuscola, VanBuren, Washtenaw, Wayne, Wexford.

The voluntary academy is a cost-free alternative education program which offers at-promise youth the opportunity to change their future. As part of the curriculum, cadets participate in drill and ceremony formations, meet physical fitness standards, perform community service and receive classroom instruction.

Of the 114 anticipated graduates in this cycle, 79 are earning their high school diploma while the remaining cadets will continue their academic pursuits toward earning their high school diploma upon their return home. Over the past 22 weeks, cadets have performed more than 4,788 hours of community service to help individuals and organizations in the Battle Creek area.

Class #55 will begin on July 12, 2026 and the MYCA is encouraging interested cadets and families to submit their application as quickly as possible here: Admissions Process. For more information, contact Kiree Dukes at 269-968-1086 or Coby Stempien at 269-968-1397.

Graduates of the MYCA are eligible for the Michigan Job Challenge Program, an extension program of the MYCA, which teaches workplace essentials, provides opportunities to learn a skilled trade and assists with job placement.