Michigan Youth ChalleNGe Academy Review

My son was in Cycle 28, This program, while not "perfect", is an incredible opportunity for at risk teens. They have very experienced staff who will mold and motivate your child to be a contributing member of society. They also have parent workshops before your visitation to help you understand and deal with the changes your child is going though, and have tips on how to alter your parenting style for when your child comes home, more mature and responsible than you have probably ever seen them. It is not an easy process by any means and is the hardest 22 weeks my family has ever been through but the benifits are well worth it.

Good I like it their and hope every kid dose good like me

4th Punisher Cadet here: The program is pretty swell I guess you could say. Once you get to the Memorial Day Break then you come back, it's like a fresh start over and you feel good. Then you can see daylight which would be Graduation. BUT, at the same time you may be able to see it you really want it to be here like right now and thinking that way does suck and makes it feel longer the more you focus on how much time you have left of the cycle. At this point we have 2 weeks left til GRADUATION DAY. Don't look at the clock do what it does and keep going. Don't let the mistakes an disappointments of your past control your future.

WE DA BEST!!! OH YEAH!!! 2-EZ!!! #PUNISHERS!!! I am currently at the MYCA (cycle 38) . Since I've been here, in the first 2 weeks (the acclamation phase) was like the 2nd hardest thing I have ever done in my life (which its hard to get there). Once you hit around week 11 or 12 things feel routine and you start to relax and in most cases if you haven't already, you will hit the down hill and you will experience what it's like to use teamwork and bring your platoon back together (that is the hardest about this program as well as the meal and sleep routine, it gets annoying after like 2 days).This program isn't bad or anything, it just brings back a lot of horrible memories in which the Cadre help me cope with, such as yelling and having to somewhat keep others on track, And in ways fend for yourself. But since we only have like 8 weeks left I have learned what it's like to be in hell in a way. If your ready to deal with a domestic dictatorship then I would highly recommend this program for anyone who falls under that category and is ready for a challenge.

I got my GED from here so I guess I should leave them with a review.

My son is a cycle 29 graduate. This program WORKS. It gives hope back to young people and their families. I highly recommend!

My son was in Cycle 32. He left the program after being called a N**** daily by fellow cadets. The academic side of the program is also a concern. In my opinion a parent needs to really investigate this program before handing your young person over to them. I did not and as a result what I wanted to be a second chance turned into a nightmare. Ask questions so you are able to make a good decision for you and your child. Its a program where kids are from all over Michigan and expected to get along. Everyone is not used to dealing with people of different races and backgrounds Academically following through if you child has an IEP to ensure it is being followed.
In closing no program is 100% perfect. What may be incredible for one may be a nightmare for another.

totally recomend if you want to learn responsibility

Changed my life. Take responsibility for your actions. Lead by example. Cycle 10

Good for my son, great credit recovery from Marshall H.S. a bit shakey at times at home. Great chance for a diploma now. And he seems pointed in a good direction

While searching for information regarding a 17 year old obtaining a GED, I was directed to the Michigan Youth Challenge Program.

We have applied and attended orientation. Hopefully, she will be accepted into Cycle 35.

This program is exceptional. My granddaughter really wants to turn her life around and knows she has some challenges that this program can help her with. Specifically discipline, education, and her future.

I would encourage anyone with teenagers who are unruly, have dropped out of school, and are a discipline problem to seriously look into and apply for the MYCP. You will be giving them that second chance they so need.

I graduated cycle 32 last year and this was the best thing that happened to me after, graduation i returned to school and i am now getting Bs and Cs never thought i would be a successful student. i also joined the army national guard which is a real comfort because it reminds me of my time at the academy. this program gave me a lot of skills that i will actually use in life. The staff actually care what happens to you and i think about them often when making decisions in life.

By far the most important and life changing decision I have ever made was choosing to goto this school. It not only prepared me for life outside of school but also taught me what it means to be a true leader, every school could use a page or two out of their book.- Cycle 41 XO

More programs like this are greatly needed in our nation

Very organized and very welcoming!
I can see that this organization is "purposed" to help communities all over Michigan! Bless them!

I was in cycle 3. Those guys kicked my ass but taught me things no one else could.

Great program helped me our alot turned my life around if ur kid is a quitter then don't let them sign up its a experience that Ull never forget expecially Mr smith

This is an awesome program. My brother went through it back in 1999. Unfortunately he was part of the 2% failure rate, but he did get his GED which he would not have ever gotten if he didn't go through this program. What I found to be the most important part of the program is the mentoring after the residential phase. My brother's mentor quit after 1 month because he had other things to do in his life as he told me. Thus my brother fell back into the same bad company. There are 17 years between me and my brother so he's more like a son. My advise to anyone thinking of the program, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A DEDICATED MENTOR! The residential portion gets them ready, the mentoring keeps them on track.