An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | May 18, 2020

Michigan YCA completes class despite COVID-19 obstacles

By Master Sgt. David Eichaker Michigan National Guard

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – The Michigan Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) offers at-risk youth the chance to change their future for the better. The 22-week program faced its own obstacles during the recent class, but even COVID-19 could not stop class No. 42.

“We had 113 people accomplish and fulfill the obligations for a high school education,” said Army Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers. “One hundred and twelve diplomas and one GED were earned – that’s incredible, that’s amazing, and that’s a new record for the youth academy.”

Typically during the course, family members are allowed to visit their sons and daughters. With social distancing in force throughout the state, visitors were not allowed. But the academy made adjustments.

“All visitors and non-essential personnel were prohibited from entering the MYCA and all parent and mentor visitations were canceled,” said Director Michael Gillum, MYCA. “However, cadets received extra-long phone calls and were able to FaceTime with their families on a regular basis.”

The MYCA partnered with a local school to enable cadets to meet state requirements for a high school education.

“Our education partner, Marshall Public Schools, truly saved the academic portion of our program,” said Anica Jankowski, deputy director, MYCA. “When the announcement was made that teachers were not going to be allowed to return to the building for an indefinite amount of time, we immediately loaded all the face-to-face courses into online learning, which allowed cadets to continue their coursework.

“Through virtual technology, the teachers were allowed to see the cadets, check homework, answer questions, and have a more interactive learning experience,” said Jankowski.

The academy, which graduated a record number of students, had its counseling department involved as well.

“Counselors started using live events to conduct parent workshops,” said Jankowski. “These are usually conducted in conjunction with each of the five parent visitations that happen throughout the cycle.”

Although the class was condensed from 22 weeks to 19 weeks, cadets were still able to meet core requirements, including community involvement.

“Cadets averaged 20 hours of community services and some even participated in mask making or blanket crocheting, which resulted in 500 masks and 15 crocheted blankets made and donated to both the Battle Creek Federal Center and Veterans Affairs campus,” Jankowski said.

Their contributions didn’t go unrecognized.

“Despite the shorter time and the restrictions, you still achieved all your community service hours that you were expected to accomplish,” said Rogers, via a virtual graduation commencement speech. “I wish I could be there with you in person, but unfortunately with the COVID-19 and social distancing requirements, a virtual message was the safest option.”

“I don’t want this to take away from how proud I am of everything you all have done,” said Rogers.

Gillum said the Michigan program is one of only 10 of 42 Youth Challenge Programs across the country "that has been fortunate enough to operate generally undisrupted."

“Cadets have already demonstrated flexibility and resiliency well above the normal threshold at the academy,” said Gillum. “An early graduation provides a tangible reward for their efforts and the adaptability they have displayed throughout this program despite the COVID-19 disruption.”

 

 

Related Articles
Soldiers from the 63rd Troop Command assisted the local Department of Public Health with a drive-thru COVID testing in Tawas City June 19, 2020. As of May 2020, more than 1,000 Michigan Guard Soldiers and Airmen are actively supporting the state’s COVID-19 response at the request of state and local agencies.
Michigan Guard answers call at home and abroad in busy year
By Capt. Andrew Layton | Aug. 10, 2020
LANSING, Mich. – When the Edenville and Sanford Dams breached at night May 19, residents of Midland were ordered to evacuate their homes as the rising waters threatened safety and property.The Michigan National Guard was...

New York Army National Guard Pvt. Joshua Morales, a member of the 133rd Combat Support Company, directs a COVID-19 vaccination registrant to The State University of New York, Stony Brook, vaccination site March 16th, 2021.
NY National Guard Wraps up Federally Funded COVID-19 Mission
By Eric Durr, | July 1, 2022
LATHAM, N.Y. - More than 840 days after the first Soldiers and Airmen went on duty to stem an outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in New Rochelle, the New York National Guard’s federally supported COVID-19 mission came to an end...

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Nardo, 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, injects James Bordeaux with a dose of COVID-19 vaccine at Camp Johnson, Vermont, March 18, 2021.
Vermont National Guard Concludes COVID-19 Missions
By Capt. Mikel Arcovitch, | June 30, 2022
COLCHESTER, Vt. – Vermont National Guard Soldiers and Airmen supporting Vermont’s COVID-19 response mission officially end orders July 1.The first mission began March 23, 2020, when Soldiers established a medical surge...