Three Michigan Youth Challenge Academy graduates pose after a graduation ceremony in Lansing earlier this. (Photo courtesy of the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy)

LANSING — Over 100 cadets graduated from the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy on Dec. 16 in Battle Creek.

MYCA is a free alternative education program which offers at-risk youth the opportunity to change their future. Cadets participate in drill and ceremony formations, meet physical fitness standards, perform community service and receive classroom instruction.

Graduates come from 35 different Michigan counties including Muskegon, Saginaw and Bay.

Eighty-seven of the graduates will earn their high-school diploma while the rest earn their General Education Development certificate or continue their academic pursuits towards earning their high school diploma.

In the past 22 weeks, cadets have performed more than 5,777 hours of community service to help individuals and organizations in the Battle Creek area.

The next session, Class 50, will begin on January 14.

Graduates of the MYCA are eligible for the Michigan Job Challenge Program, an extension program of the MYCA, which teaches workplace essentials, provides opportunities to learn a skilled trade and assists with job placement.