The Idaho Youth Challenge Academy in Pierce will conduct a Commencement Ceremony for it’s 2018 class at 10:00 am Mountain time Saturday at Gowen Field in Boise.
First Lady Lori Otter will be the keynote speaker at the event, which is hosted by Brig. Gen. Michael Garshak and IDYCA Director Trevor Sparrow and his staff. IDYCA department heads will be available for comment following the ceremony, as will program graduates.
111 Cadets will graduate from the Academy’s ninth class—bringing the total number of Academy graduates to 874. Roughly 300 16-18 year-olds apply to attend each Academy class, which have been held twice a year since January of 2014. Academy graduates have gone on to attend college, participate in Job Corps, complete vocational education, and join the US Military, including one graduate who took part in the Presidential Inauguration Air Force Honor Guard.
Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy is a volunteer program for at-risk 16 to 18 year-olds who are on the verge of dropping out of high school, or who already have. The goal of the program is to give youth a second chance to become responsible and productive citizens by helping them improve their academic standing, life skills and employment potential. The program employs a highly structured format with an emphasis on student discipline and personal responsibility, to provide a positive, safe and secure learning environment. (Idaho National Guard)
