Steps to Attend Montana Youth Challenge

We are now accepting applications for Class 50, scheduled to begin Tuesday, January 16, 2024. If you are considering Challenge, we highly recommend completing an application as soon as possible as spots are limited and fill quickly. 

Our admissions department is on standby to help with the application process. Complete the following steps to attend Montana Youth Challenge Academy:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Click the link to review the program's Eligibility Requirements.
If you have questions about the program or about the application process refer to the next step.


Step 2: determine your area's myca admissions counselor

There are 3 admissions counselors available to assist in the application process. The candidate's location will determine which admissions counselor to work with:

Ty Robinson: (406) 925-3894 ty.robinson@mycacademy.org
Western Montana: Kalispell, Polson, Missoula, Bitterroot Valley, Butte, and surrounding areas.

Mark McGinley: (406) 865-0119 mark.mcginley@mycacademy.org
Southwest/Central/North Central Montana: Ennis, Bozeman, Helena, Great Falls, Havre, Browning, Lewistown, and surrounding areas.

Kevin Roche: (406)925-1562 kevin.roche@mycacademy.org
Eastern Montana: Billings, Glendive, Wolf Point, and surrounding areas.

To schedule a tour or for questions, contact our Lead Admissions Counselor,
Mark McGinley (Dillon, MT): (406) 865-0119 or email at mark.mcginley@mycacademy.org


step 3: Complete the application here

Please note that your application will not be complete until the required documents listed at the beginning of the application have been submitted to your admissions counselor.

Once you have submitted your application, the admissions counselor in your area will follow up with you (the applicant) to discuss your goals.

After the interview with your admissions counselor (either over-the-phone or in-person) and all documents have been submitted, your application will be submitted for review. The Admissions Department will notify you (primary contact noted in the application) of the outcome of your application. 


step 4: secure a mentor

(Mentors are critical for support during the Residential Phase and are a program requirement for successful completion of the Post-Residential Phase of the Program). 

Mentor criteria can be reviewed on the "Mentors" tab of our website. 

Download, print, and complete a Mentor Application - mailing instructions are included in the document. 

*If applicants have not found a mentor yet, please still submit the class application and the Academy's Post Residential staff will work with applicants to secure a mentor match. 


step 5: Register your student online

Once the prospective student's application has been approved, the parent or legal guardian will be given a link to register this student through our secure online portal. Students who will be 18 years old at the start of Class 50, or who have documentation that they are legally emancipated minors, may complete their own registration.

Plan to register as soon as possible and have all required information at hand. Also have the require documents uploaded as pictures or scans on the device being used for registration. Documents include:

*For any family that does not have access to a device to complete registration online, a paper registration packet will be provided. Regardless of the method, please note that all students must be fully registered, and all required documents must be provided, in advance of the start of Class 50. 

Enrolled applicants become program candidates!


step 6: attend an orientation event

Candidates and their families should attend at least one MYCA orientation event. 

Multiple events will occur across the state.

This is an opportunity to put faces to names, ask questions, get help with online registration, and to learn more about what to expect on Day One.

CLASS 50 ORIENTATION SCHEDULE: COMING THIS FALL!


step 7: reception day (day one) 

Candidates and their families will report to UMW campus in Dillon for check-in and the first day of the program.

Outline of Day One:
• parents will check their candidate in and receive a copy of the class' Parent Handbook along with their candidate's platoon assignment.
candidates will say "goodbye" and part ways with their families for "gear-check" with the Cadre Department, officially beginning the Acclimation Phase.
• any medications or prescriptions will be checked into the medical team and families will have the opportunity to meet with  their Platoon Counselor (Academic Counselor).