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OVERVIEW

Our program combines best practices in positive youth development from both educational and military models. We provide a safe and structured environment where students can learn and grow. Our cadets attend academic classes four days a week. A fifth weekday is dedicated to building critical life skills (our CORE Components are described below). Each training day reflects traits of a quasi-military environment. The cadets are supervised by a team of cadre instructors who emulate leadership and and ensure good order and discipline. The cadets wear MYCA uniforms, utilize a formal Chain-of-Command, practice certain customs and courtesies, learn Drill & Ceremonies, and uphold the Cadet Code of Conduct in all their actions.

CREDITS & DIPLOMA OPTIONS

In the early years of the program, cadets were only offered the option of earning their GED. Over the past two decades of operation, the Academy has evolved with the educational landscape. We now have interlocal agreements with most Montana high schools. These partnerships help cadets earn high school diplomas through state-aligned curriculum delivered by Montana-certified teachers.

The collaboration with the Office of Public Instruction and partnerships with school districts have led to nearly 30% of recently graduated cadets returning to their local high schools, and about 80% earning a diploma!

ACCREDITATION

“Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, professional learning, and improvement services to institutions and other education providers. As a global nonprofit working in over 80 countries, Cognia serves 36,000 institutions, nearly 25 million students, and five million educators every day.”

ACADEMICS

We provide students with a positive learning experience that results in the overall academic improvement in reading comprehension, language usage, spelling, math computation, and math application, while working toward the attainment of the HiSET (formerly the GED).

Academic improvement is measured by improved scores on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) or success on the HiSET exam. Students are placed in classes according to their initial performance on the TABE. If necessary, accommodations are provided to meet each student at their unique academic level.

If cadets need additional credits, they may be assigned independent study courses, supervised by staff. Our Academic Counselors contact schools and parents to be sure this is a viable option.

Students with appropriate TABE level and background have the opportunity to take a high school curriculum track, on-site classes in Algebra 2, American Literature, U.S. Government, and Environmental Science.

CORE COMPONENTS

The Youth Challenge Model includes 8 CORE Components that build critical life skills. These skills are developed through experiential activities and traditional classroom settings.

JOB SKILLS

Cadets develop the basic skills necessary to conduct job searches as their position in the community changes. Goal planning is one of the many areas covered in this area. Cadets learn to complete a written resume, fill out employment applications and how to conduct themselves during an interview.

LIFE COPING SKILLS

Each cadet can begin to explore their value structure and come to a better understanding of the attitudes, needs, and desires that motivate them as individuals, members of the Academy, and as citizens. Included in this area are classes and workshops on: substance abuse, anger management, stress management, gender stereotyping, team-building skills, conflict resolution, parenting, basic economics, personal finance, personal goals, and career goals.

RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP

This component helps each cadet develop a better understanding of the forces that work to make a community strong and supportive of its members, as well as the forces that work to disintegrate a community. Cultural awareness, violence prevention, promoting justice, and the honor code are discussed in this area. The cadets also learn about citizenship, the U.S. government, the election and voting process, and participate in a student government.

HEALTH & HYGIENE

Each cadet must understand the positive correlation between good health and hygiene habits and life-long mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Tobacco cessation classes, substance abuse effects, proper nutrition, sexual responsibility, sexually transmitted infection prevention, and CPR/first aid are just a few of the topics covered in this area.

SERVICE TO COMMUNITY

In the Core Component of Service to the Community, cadets develop an understanding of the benefits and value gained through volunteering at community projects and agencies. Certificates and awards are given to cadets for their participation.

LEADERSHIP-FOLLOWERSHIP

Each cadet gains the skills necessary to be a good follower, a valued member of society, and gains exposure to the traits of good leaders so they may be prepared to lead when the opportunity arises. This component covers personal motivation, self-discipline, and effective leadership. Cadets can participate in Leadership Positions, Color Guard, Drill and Ceremonies, and Character Development as part of this curriculum.

PHYSICAL FITNESS

Cadets participate in a program of physical fitness training, which encourages a lifelong commitment to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Cadets must show improvement during the 20.5 week residential program in addition to obtaining a general knowledge of fitness. Activities include, but are not limited to: military-style PT, running, and organized sports.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Classroom studies at the Academy are designed to enhance the cadet`s education skills and instill a desire to continue self-improvement. Classes are given in five areas that are tested on the General Education Development (HiSET) test. These include: math, science, social studies, literature and the arts, and writing skills/essay. The Academy also uses the Adult Basic Education (TABE) test to evaluate educational performance and progress.

ENRICHMENT

Students attending Montana Youth Challenge Academy have a variety of extracurricular opportunities to enhance their experience. Below is a sampling of clubs, classes, and events that have been offered during the Residential Phase in the past:

Jobs for Montana's Graduates (JMG) Student Government
Obstacle Course
Color Guard & Rifle Drill Team
Archery in the Schools Program
UMW Sporting Events & Plays
Weight-room
YMCA access
Woodshop
Various Counseling Support Groups
Guest Speakers
Regional Field Trips
Religious Services (Bible Studies, Youth Groups, & Church Services)

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CADET CODE OF CONDUCT

Values we live by at Montana Youth Challenge Academy

1.I WILL NOT LIE, CHEAT, STEAL, OR TOLERATE THOSE WHO DO

Cadets are here to make a positive life change. Integrity is the driver of this change; it is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. People who lie, cheat, or steal violate their integrity. Cadets are held responsible for their own actions.

2. I WILL TREAT MY PEERS, THE STAFF, AND MYSELF WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT

Cadets are expected to respect peers and the staff through all actions. This means treating all peers as equals and the staff as the adult supervisors and role models that they are.

3. I WILL GIVE MY BEST EFFORT

Everyone gets one chance at today. We encourage cadets to make their time count and help them understand that what they put into the program is what they will get out of it. We do not expect perfection, but we do expect their best effort.

4. I WILL FOLLOW THE STANDARDS OF THE ACADEMY

Once the cadets learn the program standards, they are expected to uphold them.

5. I WILL SEEK SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Individual improvement is directly responsible for success in this program and contributes to the overall success of the team. Cadets will look for opportunities to learn, grow, and change their lives for the better, graduating the program with MORE than what they came with.

6. I WILL BE TOLERANT OF OTHERS

All cadets come to Challenge with different backgrounds, abilities, and beliefs. Being tolerant means allowing people to be who they are and respecting their differences. Cadets are taught to learn from each other through patience and understanding.

7. I WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR MY ACTIONS

While at Challenge, the cadets will own their actions and be accountable for them. If they undergo a disciplinary process, they will have a chance to repair any damage negative behavior may have caused. Becoming an adult means having the capacity to take accountability for one's actions.

8. I WILL UTILIZE MY CHAIN OF COMMAND

Having a Chain of Command is like having a boss. Cadets will learn about this concept and use it. Through this system, the cadets will gain valuable leadership, communication, and stress management skills.

9. I UNDERSTAND THAT MY PERSONAL SUCCESS RESTS IN THE SUCCESS OF THE GROUP

Cadet success will be measured by how they participate and advance within their team. This is a reality of life inside and outside of Challenge. There are fewer chances for success when cadets try to "go at it alone."

10. EVERY DAY I WILL REMEMBER THIS ACADEMY IS WHAT I CHOSE TO DO. I WILL STAY TRUE TO THAT CHOICE

This academy uses volunteer enrollment. Either the cadets or someone in their lives felt that change was needed. Cadets will not let anyone or anything get in the way of their success. They will stay true to their choice.

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