LANSING – State Representative Kate Segal (D-Battle Creek) today voted to provide an additional $100,000 to support the Battle Creek-based Michigan Youth ChalleNGe Academy (MYCA). Having passed the House, the plan heads to the governor to be signed into law.
"This is more good news for MYCA cadets, faculty and families across Michigan," Segal said. "It's been a long haul, but the fight we put up last year to save the program from the chopping block is starting to pay off. Little by little, I hope we can get the program back up to full strength. We must continue to support this wonderful resource that helps youths from all over the state build a brighter future for themselves and protect jobs in Calhoun County."
The plan passed today increases funding for the MYCA by $100,000, which comes in addition to the more than $600,000 Segal fought to protect in July to allow the academy to continue operating at a reduced capacity. Since the academy is a state and federal partnership, the additional state money may be able to be used to leverage more federal money for the program.
The MYCA is a quasi-military program run by the National Guard that gives at-risk youth from across Michigan a chance to transform themselves into successful adults. Last year, the MYCA was in danger of closing its doors when Michigan's budget crisis put its funding at risk. Segal helped organize an effort that saved the MYCA and allowed it to operate with about half of the number of cadets it traditionally serves.
