Roundup Record Tribune & Winnett Times -

DILLON, MONT. – The Director of the Montana Youth Challenge Academy with input from the University of Montana Western and Beaverhead County Public Health officials, announced today they are exploring options to resume operations. The organizations have been working cooperatively to ensure the safety and security of the MYCA cadets and staff, UMW Campus and the Dillon community.

Like many other programs around the state, MYCA operations were suspended on March 29th by Director Gibson as a precautionary measure to protect the cadets, staff, and the UMW campus community.

Trent Gibson, the MYCA Director stated, “We are exploring options to safely bring Cadets back to complete Class 42. We are working with Beaverhead County Public Health, UMW, and the Department of Public Health and Human Services to ensure we can responsibly reintroduce cadets back on campus and resume our training program. We are excited at the possibility of reopening the Academy to allow the cadets an opportunity to meet their goals and complete the program. We owe it to the cadets and their families to explore this possibility. “

According to Director Gibson, the Academy staff has developed risk mitigation procedures to meet the current state guidelines for schools, including COVID-19 virus testing of cadets and all MYCA staff. He stated, “Everyone recognizes that we are in different times, and operations have to be modified. MYCA is different as you don’t have kids coming and going every day. We have the ability to implement a high level of risk mitigation and can meet the current sanitation and social distancing guidelines to give these cadets the chance they deserve. We also understand that if guidelines in the state change or if the University and Public Health officials don’t recommend reopening for the safety of the community that we will comply with their recommendation.

Director Gibson acknowledges that risk mitigation is complex, but he is confident that all parties can craft a plan that will exceed all requirements to get Class 42 back on campus.

“We will take all necessary steps to protect the cadets, Beaverhead County residents and the UMW staff,” said MG Matthew Quinn, the Adjutant General. “As we look forward, our main concern is getting this class back into the classroom as safely as we can while protecting the sanctity of the UMW campus.”

According to Director Gibson, no decision has been made regarding operations. All parties will be meeting regularly to determine the best course of action.

Montana National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy serves youth, 16-18 years of age who are at risk of not graduating high school. During an intensive 5 and 1/2 month residential program followed by a 12 month mentoring program, Youth ChalleNGe provides the tools & experiences to graduate productive, employable, law-abiding, and taxpaying citizens. The program has conducted 41 classes & graduated over 3,000 cadets since its inception in 1999.