(See more feedback on our Facebook Review page.)
Feedback from Cadet Graduates
My mentor has been a great help…
…I enrolled back in school, and I’m on track with graduating with my class. I’ve put job applications in to find a job, of course it’s a very slow process. Haha. I have let go of toxic relationships, I have declined drugs/alcohol that have been offered to me, I’m more respectful towards my parents, I… Read more “My mentor has been a great help…”
…that place is home.
I will never forget how the academy changed my life for the better. They helped in so many ways and got me healthy and on track… Although i hated it at times and always wanted to go home, sometimes i wish i could go back. I remember saying that i wasnt gonna miss it but… Read more “…that place is home.”
I will never forget.
one year ago today was my 1st day at the IDYCA and I really didn’t want to go. I was doing everything to get out of it. I’m glad that did not happen and I went. that was the best 5 and half months of my life my brothers and the life long friends I… Read more “I will never forget.”
…anybody is fully capable of doing it as well.
Before I came to the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy, I was getting into a whole lot of trouble with the police… While, I was at the academy I decided that I wanted to play the system until I later realized that I need to get my act together or else I won’t succeed in the… Read more “…anybody is fully capable of doing it as well.”
Thank you for giving me the chance to change my life.
One year ago on this exact date July 17 I decided it was time to change my life. I remember the day I got there I wanted to chicken out so badly but my parents would let me. I remember waking up at 5 I’m the morning to tow the line. I hated waking up… Read more “Thank you for giving me the chance to change my life.”
…you really did make a huge difference in my life.
I just want to say thank you to the academy and all the staff and cadre you really did make a huge difference in my life. I would never have built such a good relationship as I had with the staff and cadre from IDYCA. – Once a gem always a gem
I’m clean, I’m healthy, an I’m happy.
This was January 20, 2015. Also the day that my life changed for the better. This picture was taken about an hour after I had said goodbye to my parents. I wouldn’t see them for another 3 months. As you all know, I was a complete wreck. I was making terrible choices and damaging my… Read more “I’m clean, I’m healthy, an I’m happy.”
Without the academy I probably wouldn’t be alive today.
The challenge changed me and made me realize what respect really is. To myself and others. Without the academy I probably wouldn’t be alive today. So with that being said the academy was the best decision my mom ever made. I was mad at first but looking back I’m grateful she did this for me.… Read more “Without the academy I probably wouldn’t be alive today.”
…never had the mindset that I could actually do it.
Thanks to Dr. Goddard and having my food safety certificate I am in the kitchen making pizzas all day. Its a good job though and grandma is helping me find colleges that offer good autobody and mechanic courses. I plan on going to college right after highschool and getting a degree in classic car repair.… Read more “…never had the mindset that I could actually do it.”
IDYCA changed my LIFE!
IDYCA changed my LIFE! I haven’t been in trouble since I graduated and I brought my GPA from a 1.2 to a 3.9 in 5.5 months. I wish all adolescents had this opportunity!!!!
…thank all of you for not giving up on me…
I wanted to write you this letter to tell you “THANK YOU.” Without this program I don’t know where I would be in life. With all the hard times and bad days at the academy, I sure do miss HOME!!! The greatest thing that could ever happen to me was walking across that stage at… Read more “…thank all of you for not giving up on me…”
…it was the best decision I have ever made…
(To Future Cadets) Welcome to the best decision you have ever made. If you let it, this academy will truly turn your life around. Scary isn’t it? Don’t worry, the staff of the IDYCA truly care and will do everything to get to the top that you know you can get to. Keep pushing, do… Read more “…it was the best decision I have ever made…”
Thank you IDYCA for changing and forming me…
Within three days I have already got a job opportunity to be a flagger for traffic! I will have to take a 2 week long class but it will be worth it. It’s a federal and at times state job but the average pay rate is 10- 16 and hour for state job, and 30-34… Read more “Thank you IDYCA for changing and forming me…”
“Take The Hard Right Over The Easy Wrong”
…My time at the academy was some of the best times in my life, it was the first time I had been away from home but I knew I had to get through it to be successful in life. there were some rough times but I always had staff there for me and my peers… Read more ““Take The Hard Right Over The Easy Wrong””
If I could come back, I would in a heart beat!
To ALL the Staff, Man it feels good to write letters again! HA! I hope everyone is doing well! I sure do miss the Academy! If I could come back, I would in a heart beat! Life for me is going great. I work for my mentor & am joining the Army National Guard &… Read more “If I could come back, I would in a heart beat!”
None of this would’ve happened without you…
Honestly none of this wouldve happened without you and the staff at IDYCA. I have had some bumps in the road but like you guys said thats normal. I want to say thank u and please tell all the staff that are still there i said thank u.
I couldn’t ask for better role models.
Six months ago today i made the biggest decision of my life. I chose to come to the IDYCA where my cadre changed my life forever. They showed me how to be the adult that i am and how to take care of myself in the “real world”. I made it to the rank Cadet… Read more “I couldn’t ask for better role models.”
…thank you for giving me this amazing experience.
I just wanted too say thank you for giving me this amazing experience. I wanna wish everyone a very happy Christmas, and wanna say good luck too next class thank you all staff and cadre who helped all of us out. Thank you for all the hard work and all the hours everyone put in… Read more “…thank you for giving me this amazing experience.”
Would go again if I could!
Absolutely love this program man. The skills you learn here are amazing. Definitely would go again if I could!
…tough love is what we all need in life sometimes
Thanks to my confidence and work ethic I gained at IDYCA, I really was able to jump start my life in a big way. I moved out a week after graduating the academy. I work around 55 hours a week at 2 different jobs…. I pay rent and all of my own bills, I just… Read more “…tough love is what we all need in life sometimes”
Its hard and tiring but you won’t regret a minute…
I would like to just take a second and tell class of 17-2 that you guys got this. No matter how hard it gets stay the course. Push through it cause when that moment comes that your walkin across that stage and giving everyone your final goodbyes youll thank not only the Cadre but yourself… Read more “Its hard and tiring but you won’t regret a minute…”
Giving up is not a option here, success is.
(Addressed to future Cadets) I’ve been told some of you cadets don’t believe you’re going to pass English. I thought the same going into Mrs. Therien class, not knowing how to write an essay, spell correctly, read, or even pronounce words. I gave up before trying or giving any effort. I just thought to myself,… Read more “Giving up is not a option here, success is.”
…I highly recommend it.
I’m a member of the first graduating class, all i can say is thank you to everyone who is involved with this program. If you are browsing the page and are interested in the program i highly recommend it. Its not easy and a challenge for a reason but i can honestly say that it… Read more “…I highly recommend it.”
I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for all of you.
I would like to personally thank each and every single one of you (staff members and cadre). It was a blessing and an honor to be one of the graduating cadets through the first class of Idaho. Each one of you helped me in any way possible. I wouldn’t be who I am today if… Read more “I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for all of you.”
All because you pushed me to maintain excellence.
This program has changed my life for the better. I find myself being more respectful, doing things the first time I’m told, and I try my hardest now in everything I do. I’m a high school graduate, and now I’m shooting for my goals that I know I can succeed. All because you pushed me… Read more “All because you pushed me to maintain excellence.”
You made my life new!
Some days I wake up wishing I was at the academy. I miss it a lot. And all the wonderful people. Even the.ones I disrespected and.I feel bad I’m sorry Thanks everyone for everything you have done or said to me to brighten my day thanks.for.making.me realize I was headed the wrong direction. You guys… Read more “You made my life new!”
The caring staff/cadre gave me the second chance I needed at life…
In December it’ll be 2 years since I got my HS diploma. 2 years since I left my second home. 2 years and I’m still going back to visit!!!! I couldn’t express my gratitude towards The Idaho Youth Challenge Academy/ Staff in words if I wanted. Not only did you guys help me graduate, you… Read more “The caring staff/cadre gave me the second chance I needed at life…”
…special thanks to the TSgts that were the everyday teachers…
I thank you all very much for breaking me down and making me into the strong minded physically fit man I am today, a special thanks to the Tsgts that were the everyday teachers, and the staff that helped a long the way. Thank all of you.
Feedback from Parents/Guardians
Wanted to pass along another successful IDYCA graduate who has enlisted in the ARMY and was sworn in this morning. Luke will be pursuing a career as a Combat Medic and being shipped out tomorrow. Luke is proud and requested that Sargent Pratt is also made aware please. Thank you again for all the IDYCA… Read more “Thank you again for all the IDYCA does to help our teens.”Thank you again for all the IDYCA does to help our teens.
Feedback from Supporters
You guys truly change lives.
Canyon Springs High School (sister school of Idaho youth challenge academy) is sending a Thank You picture to you and your staff! Canyon Springs celebrates our students success at Idaho Youth Challenge Academy because you guys truly change lives. They come back Leaders of Their Own Lives! These posters will go up on the walls… Read more “You guys truly change lives.”
