Local student pursues life-changing opportunity at Michigan Youth Challenge Academy

Bradley Cooper said, “I needed to do something different. I decided to attend the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy.”

by Amy Haggerty

There are only a few times in life you can get a second chance. Bradley Cooper, who would have been a senior this year at Stockbridge High School, recently made an important decision about his future.

Cooper said, “I needed to do something different. I decided to attend the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy.”

His parents, Garrett and Emily Cooper, live in Gregory and were able to visit with Cooper in early September. His mother, Emily, said, “He is working really hard to keep up his grades. We are definitely glad he did this! It is really a positive and beneficial program for young ladies and young men who want to better themselves.”

The academy educates, trains, and mentors at-risk youth, ages 16 through 18. This program changes lives and gives these young people a better future. The academy is a two-phase program stretching across almost eighteen months. It is located in Battle Creek, Michigan. All cadets live in barracks at historic Fort Custer. Any male or female can attend if they are a legal, U.S. resident living in Michigan and if they have not been convicted of a felony.

According to the website at michigan.gov/myca, “The program is not easy and it isn’t for everyone. You’ll put in long days and have little free time.” It also states, “You will be challenged, mentally and physically.”

The program may not be for everyone, but it sounds like it’s worth it, if you have the desire to make your life better.

Michigan Youth Challenge Academy incorporates core components and benefits, such as learning self-discipline and  job skills along with earning high school credits, possible college credits, and vocational, computer, and physical training. Most importantly, you will develop life-coping skills.

Cooper will definitely be challenged in the months ahead. It will be well worth it if he learns some new skills, which in turn will help his future.

The academy educates, trains, and mentors at-risk youth, ages 16 through 18.