Frequently Asked Questions:
What ages do you accept?
Applicants must be between 16 and 19 years of age on the start date. No exceptions made for those turning 16 just after the start date.
NOTE: 19 year old applicants must not turn 20 on or before the projected graduation date of the class in which they are applying.
Is there a cost to the cadet & their family?
Families are not required to pay tuition. The course is free to those accepted, however, some clothing items may have to be purchased (ie: running shoes, underwear - a list of these items will be provided upon the youth's acceptance into the program). The youth will also receive a residential allowance for necessary items that may be purchased at the PX on the grounds of the program.
Can a youth be forced to attend the MYCA by parents or be appointed there by the courts?
No. Youth need to volunteer for this program. This program will not be worthwhile if the youth is unwilling to make some positive changes in his/her life and does not have an open mind to do so.
Our cadre and counseling staff do a wonderful job working with the youth and do their best to keep them here, but only to an extent. If a youth is habitually non-compliant while at the academy and refuses to participate in the program, the youth will be dropped from the program.
Are ONLY high school drop-outs eligible for your program?
No- we do accept youth that are potential drop-outs (those that are habitually truent from school, failing classes, not on task to graduate with their class). If the youth is getting good grades and is on task to graduate with their current class, we do not recommend this program for them. Our main goal is to provide an education and GED to youth at risk of dropping out of school.
Are the youth tested for drug use?
Yes. A drug testing urinalysis is done on our in-processing day (the first day of pre-challenge). If the youth tests positive for any type of drug, the youth will go home with their parents the same day. Drugs are not tolerated with the program.
Do you accept youth that have an IEP (Individualized Education Program) - for special education needs?
Yes. We have a special education teacher on staff that works with our youth that possess IEP's. We request a current copy of the youth's IEP with their application packet.
Can the youth continue taking their current medications while at the MYCA?
Yes. We have a full time RN on staff that ensures that they receive their medications and that their prescriptions are current.
Can family/friends visit the cadet?
No visitation is allowed during the first two weeks. Letter writing is highly encouraged during the Pre-ChalleNGe phase (preferably in a positive, supportive manner). Parents are invited to attend the candidate's Pre-ChalleNGe completion ceremony at the end of the 2 week Pre-ChalleNGe phase. On-site visitations occur on a scheduled weekend, usually 3 per cycle.
Can the youth leave while at the MYCA?
Only with cadre staff (drill instructors). The youth reside at the MYCA 24/7 for 22 weeks. The cadets may go on trips to community service projects, fieldtrips, and to the Tech Center for their educational needs. Youth are not allowed to drive while at the academy.
In the event of a family emergency or death in the family, the youth may leave with a family member only for this.
Am I allowed to bring the following:
NOTE: A complete list of items to bring & what not to bring will be provided to the cadet and their familiy via the acceptance letter upon the youth's acceptance into the program.
Radio? No
Cell phone? No - cadets will earn phone priviledges during the Residential phase (limited number of minutes per call).
Video Games? No
Photos? Yes, limited number of appropriate photos
Food/drinks? No
Do I need to cut my hair short?
Yes, if you are a male applicant, you will have your hair cut to military standards. If you are female, hair may be worn up according to standards or cut above the shoulder.
Is military clothing issued or do I need to purchase it?
Military clothing (BDU pants, coat, boots, beret, gloves, stocking cap, PT attire, and canteen and belt) are all issued. Applicants will need to purchase their own under garments and running shoes (a complete list of approved items will be issued to the applicant upon their acceptance to the program).
Can male and female cadets communicate?
NO! Any form of fraternization (letter writing, flirtatious behavior) is forbidden and will be a cause for immediate dismissal from the Academy. Communication within the classroom setting is allowed, but only for educational purposes. Cadets are here to concentrate on their educational needs, not dating.