[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 87 (Monday, May 20, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S3777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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        25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MONTANA YOUTH CHALLENGE ACADEMY

 Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I have the honor of 
recognizing the Montana Youth Challenge Academy's--MYCA--25th 
anniversary.
  The Youth Challenge Academy in Dillon, MT, is one of approximately 40 
programs of its kind across the country and the only one located on a 
college campus. Over the past 25 years, MYCA has graduated almost 4,000 
successful cadets. These young people are empowered to complete their 
education and choose a new path in life, whether that be enlisting in 
military service, becoming skilled in the trades industry, or enrolling 
in college classes; this program lays the foundation for a successful 
future through their implementation of a quasi-military training model.
  Academy leaders and mentors teach valuable life skills while forging 
trusted relationships with program participants, their parents and 
guardians, and a network of supporters. Mentorship continues to be 
among the most unique and important aspects of this program, as it 
ensures each cadet is receiving support that best fits their needs and 
promotes a seamless transition into the next phase of their journey. 
Upon completion of the program, each graduate is connected with a local 
community mentor for 1 year to help them see how the skills they have 
learned in the program translate beyond the academy to benefit not just 
themselves, but their communities. It is clear that when cadets 
successfully exit the program, they bring with them a renewed sense of 
confidence, responsibility, and positivity they are ready to share with 
others.
  The Montana Youth Challenge Academy exemplifies what it means to look 
out for your neighbor and pour into the next generation of 
Montanans.

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