MARQUETTE — The Michigan Youth Challenge Academy will host information sessions across the Upper Peninsula this autumn.

Designed to give at-risk high school students a chance to take charge of their future, the MYCA program is facilitated by the Michigan National Guard and trains, mentors and educates students in a quasi-military environment.

The program focuses on academic opportunities, developing life skills and vocational preparation, with candidates participating in activities such as drill and ceremony formations, meeting physical fitness standards, performing community service and receiving classroom instruction.

There is no cost to parents for students to attend the program, which applies the military model to alternative education. The program includes a five-and-a-half-month residential program where students are downstate in Battle Creek, and a 12-month post-residential program. There is no obligation for youth to enter the military upon completion of the program.

Students entering the program must be between 15 ½ and 18 years old.

Information sessions across the U.P. will take approximately two hours each, with doors opening 30 minutes before each event. Registrants who show up later than five minutes past the start will not be allowed entry.

The session information is as follows:

≤ 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Michigan Works! at 400 Quincy St. in Hancock

≤ 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Michigan Works! at 2950 College Ave. in Escanaba

≤ 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 13, Bayliss Public Library at 541 Library Drive in Sault Ste. Marie

Attending an information session is a mandatory part of the application process. At least one parent or guardian is required to be in attendance along with the student.

Online registration is required for each event. Interested parties can do so by visiting michigan.gov/myca/events and registering for their intended session.

If either the parent/guardian or student require accommodations for the session, contact 800-372-0523 or email dmva-apply-myca@michigan.gov within the two weeks preceding your session date.

Following completion of the MYCA program, graduates are eligible to enter the Michigan Job Challenge Program, which teaches workplace essentials, provides opportunities to learn skilled trades and assists with job placement, according to a MYCA press release.

The online application can be accessed at michigan.gov/myca/admissions-process. Cycle 52 begins in January and runs through June.

Additional information and questions can be directed to Joan Miller at 269-968-1368.