DoD's Idaho Youth Challenge Academy continues to help teens graduate, overcome challenges [Image 13 of 22]

BOISE, ID, UNITED STATES

12.16.2023

Photo by Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur 

Idaho Army National Guard

After her mother got sick during her time at the academy, cadet Emali Steffy returned to the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy (IDYCA) to finish in her mother’s honor. Steffy spoke at the graduation this weekend and told her story.

“All I could think was that I will make my mom proud for not giving up,” Steffy said. “After all that happened, I pushed myself even harder than before to get through the challenge. I worked my butt off to get this far and there is no way I was turning back. I accomplished so many things at the IDYCA. I became a leader and gained a voice. I got healthier, mentally and physically. I earned 15 high school credits in only 22 weeks. I made friends and gained connections. My family became closer and became one. And I made so many people proud.”

More than 120 Idaho high school students graduated from the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy (IDYCA) on Dec. 16, 2023 in Boise, Idaho. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) IDYCA program provides second chances to Idaho teens who are on the verge of dropping out of high school or who already have by removing at-risk students from their current environment, placing them in the small town of Pierce for 22 weeks with peers going through similar challenges. (U.S. National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur)

• Date Taken: 12.16.2023
• Date Posted: 12.20.2023 18:00
• Photo ID: 8177178
• VIRIN: 231216-Z-AY311-2140
• Resolution: 2644x1765
• Size: 2.8 MB
• Location: BOISE, ID, US