© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

National Guard academy challenges MI youth to make a change

Kevin Lavery/WKAR

Two months into the traditional school year, Michigan students are already thinking about Thanksgiving break. That includes students who are taking a less conventional route through their studies. Right now, more than 100 teenagers from communities across the state are participating in the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy, a program sponsored by the Michigan National Guard.The Academy is designed primarily to help kids who’ve dropped out of high school, or have some other serious life situation that’s prompted them to seek a more disciplined approach. It’s an almost 18-month long program. Students wear uniforms and earn various ranks, but it also features a strong mentoring program. It’s not a military academy, but it employs certain techniques of military training to help kids develop more focus and direction in their lives.

Current State’s Kevin Lavery has been looking into this program.

Kevin Lavery served as a general assignment reporter and occasional local host for Morning Edition and All Things Considered before retiring in 2023.
Related Content
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!