DEPARTMENT OVERVIEWS

MYCA is an accredited special-purpose school. Challenge teachers are endorsed by the state of Montana in the subject areas that they teach. The curriculum offered by the Academy is structured around the content and skills covered in the HiSET exam, which is aligned with State and Core standards. Teachers focus largely on building student engagement and offering experiential learning opportunities. 

The Admissions Department strives to ensure that all eligible Montana youth are aware of the opportunities available through MYCA. The long-term goal of admissions is to serve as the bridge between Challenge and all Montana communities, to develop and nurture relationships that serve those communities, and sustain enrollment numbers that are supportive of the overall mission of MYCA. The Recruiting Plan for the Academy encompasses a wide variety of philosophies and concepts that serve a large audience, such as youth, family members, educators, and community centers of influence.

Cadre are integral to the foundation of the Academy. As the largest department within Challenge, the cadre department serves as 24 24-hour support and structure. The primary responsibilities of the department are the safety and security of cadets through direct supervision. The employment of full-time and part-time cadre employees, covering 3 shifts (days, swings, and mids), provides ample supervision, on-the-spot behavior modification, and additional support to all other departments within MYCA. 

The Counseling Department supports the program's mission in the areas of retention, placement, and communication within the organization, parents, and outside organizations. Counselors work with cadets throughout the Residential Phase, helping them to build better coping skills and adjust to adversity. The MYCA counseling department works closely with High School Counselors and Principals to transfer cadets back to High School. At the conclusion of the program, possible placements will include return to High School, Military, Employment, Vocational Training or other Post-Secondary Schooling. The Counseling Department teaches Core Day classes that address topics such as anger management, conflict resolution, recognizing emotions & stressors, drug, alcohol, & tobacco classes, healthy relationships, and job skills. 

Marketing & Outreach works closely with every department, particularly Admissions, to advance the academy's mission and respond to the changing needs of Montana communities. The focus is on building strong relationships and raising awareness about the life-changing opportunities MYCA offers to youth across the state. Through networking, events, and storytelling, we connect with current cadet families, alumni, school partners, stakeholders, and prospective candidates. From community engagement to digital campaigns, Marketing and Outreach ensures that the Challenge experience, and the proven impact of the Challenge Model, is visible, accessible, and meaningful to those who need it. 

The Post Residential Department assists in the aftercare of the cadets once they graduate from the Residential Phase.  A common misconception about Challenge is that it's a five-month program- the cadets graduate and are finished with the Academy. In reality, the cadets and their parents have committed to a 17-month program, in which the cadets are required to be placed in an educational setting, the work force, or the military, as well as work with a mentor for 12 months following the Residential Phase. Mentors provide the case managers with placement reports each month of the Post Residential Phase (12 months/12 reports), validating the placement status of the cadet. The case managers provide this information to the National Guard Bureau monthly so that the success of the program can be evaluated. These statistics are vital to program funding.

The Support Services Department is responsible for all logistical, financial, and administrative support of the Academy. This department works hand in hand with operations to ensure students' and staff needs are met in order to ensure overall Academy success. The Manager of Information Systems (MIS), Medical Technician, Supply Technician, and Accountant all report to the Support Services Supervisor. Each role supports the functioning of Challenge and ensures that operational and administrative resources are deployed appropriately.