Published: August 21, 2008 12:28 pm         

Academy

Second chance for troubled teens

It’s disappointing that no Cass County candidate has managed to graduate from the Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy.

Still, the state should feel good about the 83 candidates who have.

The academy represents a second chance for teenagers who are struggling in school. It’s aimed at kids ages 16 to 19 who are in danger of dropping out of high school or already have.

As the county’s three dropouts clearly indicate, the academy won’t work for everyone, but it will work for many of them.

The real key is in the attitude of the prospective cadet.

If the teenager doesn’t really want to be there, he or she is unlikely to succeed, but if he or she is ready for a new chance, the academy might be just the ticket.

The academy, located in Edinburgh, is a 17-month program intended as an alternative to high school. The program is intended to prepare students to earn a general education development certificate.

Candidates learn life skills, work to build self-esteem, learn self-discipline and get into shape physically. Many candidates go directly from the academy into the work force. Others join the military, and still others go on to college.

Every candidate who completes the program leaves with a life plan that includes short-term, intermediate and long-term goals.

The academy is now accepting applications for its next class. An orientation will take place in mid-September.

If you know a teenager who might benefit from the program, Michael Ayers, the academy’s regional coordinator, would love to hear from you.