Success Stories

(See more feedback on our Facebook Review page.)

Feedback from Cadet Graduates

“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””

16-2 Cadet Snyder (Star)

…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

15-1 Cadet Fritchman (Boise)

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.”

14-1 Cadet Fenstermacher (Salmon)

…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.”

14-1 Cadet Turner (Coeur d'Alene)

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!”

14-1 Cadet Litz (Eagle)

…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.”

15-2 Cadet Martin C.R. (Blackfoot)

…The academy saved my life….

It took me nearly a year graduated from the class of 18-1 to really get back on my feet on a path that I felt right. It was hard along the way. Harder than the Academy was to really get to a point where I felt I was doing something right and making progress. I… Read more “…The academy saved my life….”

18-1 Cadet Free (Idaho Falls)

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.”

15-2 Cadet Martinez (Blackfoot)

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.”

14-1 Cadet Spence (Emmett)

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…”

14-2 Cadet Battson (Boise)

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!!!!

14-2 Cadet Alexander (Shelley)

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!”

15-1 Cadet Valle (Star)

…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…”

14-2 Cadet Shields (Boise)

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!

17-1 Cadet Gallegos (Caldwell)

You all really changed my life for the better.

…I would just like to say that my favorite memories in Idaho came from the idyca. Not because it was fun, because there was times it wasn’t, not because it was easy, because again, there was times it wasn’t. My favorite memories came out of there because it was the biggest challenge of my life.… Read more “You all really changed my life for the better.”

17-2 Cadet Steffans (Nampa)

…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.”

15-1 Cadet McMillion (Caldwell)

…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…”

17-2 Cadet Jones (Bovill)

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.”

15-1 Cadet Rodriguez (Caldwell)

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.

16-2 Cadet Rocha (Caldwell)

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…”

17-2 Cadet Garcia (Jerome)

You guys are the best thing that ever happened to me…

Because of you guyes at the IDYCA my life is much better. I appreciate what you guyes do for cadets every day. They may not realize it at this point but they soon will when they graduate. I dont know how to thank you. You guyes were the best thing that ever happened to me… Read more “You guys are the best thing that ever happened to me…”

18-1 Cadet Stockton (Twin Falls)

…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”

14-2 Cadet Smith (Nampa)

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.”

15-2 Cadet Ward, P. (Caldwell)

…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.”

15-1 Cadet Eckhardt (New Plymouth)

…the Academy gave me hope.

I wanted to thank the academy. They gave me the tools to move past hardships and keep on moving. In the last 3 months my fiance and I have struggled and some aspects and lost a major part of our family. The only way I was able to move past these struggles and this loss… Read more “…the Academy gave me hope.”

15-1 Cadet Fritchman (Boise)

…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.”

16-2 Cadet Valentine (Nampa)

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.”

16-2 Cadet Bernal (Blackfoot)

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…”

17-1 Cadet Medeiros (Blackfoot)

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…”

14-2 Cadet Sakpraseuth (Boise)

…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.

15-2 Cadet Hoiland (Challis)

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.”

14-1 Cadet Sharp (Cottonwood)

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.”

16-2 Cadet Garner (Jerome)

Feedback from Parents/Guardians

The transformation…is nothing short of AMAZING.

My son’s own words ‘IDYCA gave me the second chance I needed.’ He was struggling in school, smoking pot and disrespectful at home. I had been asking for help with my son for YEARS! I asked several different school principals, teachers and counselors to no avail. I was desperate and at the end of my… Read more “The transformation…is nothing short of AMAZING.”

Parent in Meridian of 18-1 Cadet

…has given him everything he needs to succeed.

I want to tell you thank you. What a wonderful transformation Kaden has done. I honestly can’t believe it. He came home strong and in my eyes is leaving even stronger. He told any friends that he had that if they smoked, did drugs or wanted to get into trouble that he no longer could… Read more “…has given him everything he needs to succeed.”

Parent in Boise of 17-2 Cadet

It has given my son a second chance…

I love this school. It has giving my son a second chance at graduating school. Thank you so much for all your help and warm welcoming.

Parent in Kuna of 17-1 Cadet

It was life changing for our daughter.

My daughter went through your program a couple of years ago….Thank you for this wonderful program. It was life changing for our daughter. She is now married and working full time and has a good head on her shoulders in no small part due to your program!

Parent in Moscow of 15-1 Cadet

…now wanting to help other young children.

Would just like to say thank you again for everything you guys did for [my daughter]. She is doing amazing and is now wanting to help other young children.

Parent in Osburn of 17-2 Cadet

There aren’t sufficient words to express our appreciation…

Dear IDYCA Staff;
There aren’t sufficient words to express our appreciation of the time, energy, and commitment you have given to our son. We were like many parents, at a point of desperate need for an intervention to turn our son around. You have gone above and beyond to facilitate, direct, teach, lead and… Read more “There aren’t sufficient words to express our appreciation…”

Parent in Eagle of 18-1 Cadet

I am a believer!

(To State Legislators) Let me introduce my comments by saying that I don’t often, if ever, write to my Legislators so this should be a testament to how strongly I feel about writing to you now. This letter is to communicate to you the positive impact the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy has had on our… Read more “I am a believer!”

Parent in Tetonia of 16-1 Cadet

Stay positive, let the program work.

I wish every kid had the opportunity to learn how to make goals for themselves in a positive way that our son is learning right now. For all that goes, most adults I know could use the same schooling in that subject. Our son has grown up and changed in a lot of ways since… Read more “Stay positive, let the program work.”

Parent in Northern Idaho of 18-1 Cadet

…he is getting A’s and one B with 103% in math….

I got the most beautiful call today. Ethan sounded so good and it actually sounded like I was talking to a young man! He was excited about getting to do community service yesterday. He said he is getting A’s and one B with 103% in math – this from a boy who has not done… Read more “…he is getting A’s and one B with 103% in math….”

Parent in Twin Falls of 15-2 Cadet

…we are changed as a family….

Brought this kid home today for good. So proud of [my son’s] commitment and determination. My gratitude for the staff at the IDYCA is beyond measure. They took care of my son 24 hrs 7 days a week for the past 5 1/2 months. Guiding, teaching and encouraging him to reach his full potential. Providing… Read more “…we are changed as a family….”

Parent in Meridian of 15-1 Cadet

…extremely grateful to the teachers who encouraged him to want to learn.

[My son] has struggled with reading his whole life… Reading was slow, tedious, and painful. School work was a struggle as we also dealt with other issues with him. He would never read anymore than was required to get by. He never read a chapter book completely. At one point during high school, he told… Read more “…extremely grateful to the teachers who encouraged him to want to learn.”

Parent in Caldwell of 15-1 Cadet

You are all Angels

So proud of my [son] today! He not only proved to me but to himself how much he can accomplish when he makes a commitment! I know that his future is bright and I want to thank all the staff for everything! Words cannot express my appreciation. You are all Angels. I feel blessed to… Read more “You are all Angels”

Parent in Idaho of 15-1 Cadet

Accountability, respect and communication…

My son David was a definite, angry, had no self respect, no life goals, hated everything and everyone 16 year old. He was starting to hang out with the wrong people. Went from a 4.0 to a 0.52 GPA missed several days of school. David relationship with his Dad was toxic. I am a fixer.… Read more “Accountability, respect and communication…”

Parent in Nampa of 14-2 Cadet

You all have gone above and beyond….

…so proud of all the Cadets for making the choice to attend the academy and sticking it out on the days they wanted to give up. To all the IDYCA staff for not giving up on any of our Cadets…You all have gone above and beyond….Fellow parents thank you for your support and encouragement when… Read more “You all have gone above and beyond….”

Parent in Nampa of 15-1 Cadet

Your program brought healing and happiness to our family.

Thank you to everyone at the IDYCA! Commencement was quite inspiring and totally fantastic today. My cadet has grown, learned, and transformed into a wonderful young lady. Your program brought healing and happiness to our family. I honestly can not thank you enough! Outstanding.

Parent in Boise of 16-1 Cadet

It’s amazing the change in him in just a couple weeks….

…Something has changed in him and I am sure proud of him for hanging tough through it all. IDYCA I am so thankful for all you’re doing for him and all the other students. I think from the sounds of it most everyone agrees. It’s amazing the change in him in just a couple weeks,… Read more “It’s amazing the change in him in just a couple weeks….”

Parent in Twin Falls of 15-2 Cadet

We couldn’t be happier with the outcome!!

[Our daughter] is doing great! She’s a totally different person! The difference is she is happy and has a lot more self-esteem. We are thankful to you and everyone that helped make that happen. Truly, the youth academy changed her life. She realizes it too….It’s all falling into place beautifully. God bless you and the… Read more “We couldn’t be happier with the outcome!!”

Parent in Pocatello of 17-2 Cadet

You folks are truly changing young lives…

Our very best wishes to all the cadets who worked so hard to achieve this milestone toward making their dreams reality! Also, there is no way for us to express enough appreciation for the IDYCA staff who made such an amazing difference in our boy’s life over the past 5 months. You folks are truly… Read more “You folks are truly changing young lives…”

Parent in Moscow of 14-1 Cadet

…you have made a big difference in my son’s life.

Dear Idaho Youth Challenge Academy, I want you to know that you have made a big difference in my son’s life. He was in class 2015-2. Thank you for all you do to help our kids become adults! Here is an essay Ethan had to write for English class:
‘The Miracle Worker – 2017Read more “…you have made a big difference in my son’s life.”

15-2 Cadet Mitchell and Parent (Twin Falls)

Thank you again for all the IDYCA does to help our teens.

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.”

Parent in Hailey of 16-2 Cadet

Your kids will come home changed….

So Gabriel has changed some and for the good he has been soooo productive today! Cleaning, laundry, job applications, and reading!! YOUR KIDS WILL COME HOME CHANGED NO MATTER WHAT!!! THANK YOU IDYCA!!!

Parent in Idaho of 15-2 Cadet

…once in a lifetime IMPACTFUL opportunity….

It’s hard to put into words the deep gratitude, respect and love that we feel for IDYCA. In 5.5 months you have transformed our son into his full and MORE confident, determined and resilient potential mental, physically and academically. The drive home he talked and talked goals for his future. He came home and immediately… Read more “…once in a lifetime IMPACTFUL opportunity….”

Parent in Nampa of 16-2 Cadet

The staff at IDYCA never gave up on him…

I can officially say that this program is life changing, my son who graduated class 16-1 was going down the wrong path, I had faith he would graduate but not as much as I should have, the staff at IDYCA never gave up on him and continued to help him through this program and his… Read more “The staff at IDYCA never gave up on him…”

Parent in Emmett of 16-1 Cadet

Thanks to staff for their unwavering support!

He is amazing and I am so proud of him and his future.. I give all my thanks and appreciation for the academy and staff for their unwavering support while he was attending and the support in transition. I cannot express how much my son has grown as a person and excited for the adventures… Read more “Thanks to staff for their unwavering support!”

Parent of 16-2 Cadet

…he had to choose to change…

My son has made a huge turn around. He didn’t like doing anything unless he wanted to. Now I see a young man with pride in himself. He walks taller and has self confidence. He let me know that I tried everything I could. But, now he knows that he had to choose to change,… Read more “…he had to choose to change…”

Parent in Harrison of 14-1 Cadet

…thank you for showing and giving my son the tools he needed…

Well today my son turns 18 and since graduating the IDYCA he has been doing amazing graduated high school, landed a few little jobs Until now he is spreading his wings and leaving for Montana on Monday to go work a construction job learning some trades he will be framing buildings and taking a class… Read more “…thank you for showing and giving my son the tools he needed…”

Parent in Pocatello of 16-2 Cadet

He knows he can accomplish anything now.

My son wasn’t doing anything. I mean nothing he went up with a 0.4 GPA and left with a 4.0. He knows he can accomplish anything now. I love all the staff members up there. They genuinely care for all those kids.

Parent in Pocatello of 16-2 Cadet

What a tug of war you must go through!

(Parent Support Group Admin) I want to give a big shout out to the admin and staff of IDYCA! THANK YOU for all your dedication, discipline, care, concern, love, support, strength, courage, and time; that you are genuinely giving our kids in order to help them reach the intentional purpose driven goals they personally create… Read more “What a tug of war you must go through!”

Parent in Moscow of 14-1 Cadet

My daughter is now the person she was always meant to be…

I love what you do for are kids!!! My daughter is now the person she was always meant to be and its all because of the staff and this wonderful academy…Thank you all so much… I spread the word to every one…you never know what kid is in need of this!

Parent in Boise of 16-1 Cadet

The staff at IDYCA fits my definition of hero.

…I wanted to take the time to thank you for all the help that you’ve given Christopher.  The changes in him are amazing and are so welcome.  I was very afraid of what kind of future he would have before he attended IDYCA,  most of those fears are put to rest now.  Of course there… Read more “The staff at IDYCA fits my definition of hero.”

Parent in Heyburn of 16-1 Cadet

Your school is one of the best things Idaho has going for their youth.

I do want to let you know what a very special place you have there. I know so many young adults are so much better off because of IDYCA. Your school is one of the best things Idaho has going for there youth. I truly believe this. Not just because my son attended your school,… Read more “Your school is one of the best things Idaho has going for their youth.”

Parent in Boise of 18-2 Cadet

This program is a gift for struggling teenagers.

I cannot even put into words what you have done for my son and our family as a whole. This program is a gift for struggling teenagers. The skills that they learn at IDYCA in addition to the credit recovery will stay with them for years to come. We are so blessed to have this… Read more “This program is a gift for struggling teenagers.”

Parent in Meridian of 14-1 Cadet

…thankful for peace in our home!

Today I tell [my son] that his dad and I are very proud of him. I said, “do you remember that everything was a fight before. So many arguments and we haven’t even argued about anything since you graduated IDYCA. We have had serious conversation,but no fighting. How did you make that change so drastically.”… Read more “…thankful for peace in our home!”

Parent in Moscow of 17-2 Cadet

He keeps saying “I’m unstoppable.”

He’s so happy and thankful to the academy and all the staff for everything they did and continue doing for him. His attitude towards life is amazing! He’s staying away from trouble and being a great role model for his younger brothers. He keeps saying “I’m unstoppable.” I love seeing him so happy and positive.… Read more “He keeps saying “I’m unstoppable.””

Parent in Fruitland of 14-1 Cadet

You were truly a God send…

He sounds like a new person and looks so so much better in the pictures I see on line of him once in a while. You, the staff, and the academy were truly a God send to me and to Tony. Thank you so much for all you do for not only my son, but… Read more “You were truly a God send…”

Parent in Roberts of 16-2 Cadet

…she carries around a glow….

Alisha is doing Great,she [has] taken all she learned and keeps using it wisely,she has been making good choices.Her rooms a mess but that is ok.She works hard,helps me out and has great advice for me and her peers .She doesn’t cease to amaze me she carries around a glow ,I’m pretty confident my girl… Read more “…she carries around a glow….”

Parent in Nampa of 15-1 Cadet

…he IS going places…

I know how devastated [my son] was to realize the consequence of his actions were far greater than he ever considered. I also know that sometimes the worst choices become the best possible scenario as we grow into who we are meant to be. I’m so thrilled to know he was happy with a big… Read more “…he IS going places…”

Parent of 17-2 Cadet

Teachers actually care…

I love IDYCA my son is doing so great in this school the teachers here actually care about their students and help them. So the students want to succeed my son’s attitude is already so much better since starting here he has a new perspective on life a goal. I’m so PROUD of him. And… Read more “Teachers actually care…”

Parent in Pocatello of 17-2 Cadet

…thank you for believing in my daughter as much as I do.

I just want to tell the staff of IDYCA thank you for believing in my daughter as much as I do. It is easy as a parent to see through the imperfections of their kids but for strangers to care enough about them to help them become better versions of themselves is amazing. This program… Read more “…thank you for believing in my daughter as much as I do.”

Parent in Jerome of 17-2 Cadet

Feedback from Supporters

…the most beneficial and real programs around…

Going to his graduation in Boise was mind blowing! What an awesome experience! Seeing that many youth affected for the better of their lives in such a short time is nothing short of amazing! The work you guys are doing up there has got to be among the most beneficial and real programs around for… Read more “…the most beneficial and real programs around…”

16-1 Cadet Mentor

This school is such a great thing!

(From Mock Interviewer) It was my pleasure and thank you for having NF be a part of this great event! I appreciate it greatly! Yes, these letters are very meaningful to me and do have a great impact on me. That day that we were up there was so very amazing! I had several of… Read more “This school is such a great thing!”

Mock Interviewer

Nightforce Optics, Inc.

They were awesome!

I am a parent of a special Olympic athlete and we had regionals at Lewiston on May 21 and several of your cadets volunteered at the track and field event and they were awesome! So polite and helpful and positive spirits! Many of them even took turns running with my son while he was the… Read more “They were awesome!”

Supporter in Lewiston

…you have succeeded every time.

I just wanted to drop you guys a note to say that your program is quite awesome. I am the school resource officer at Mountain View High School in Meridian and I’m pretty sure you have at least one of my kids in most of your sessions. I have sent you the most challenging kids… Read more “…you have succeeded every time.”

David Gomez, School Resource Officer

Mountain View High School

…your sacrificial time, energy, love and genuine caring.

Thank you sooo much for all you do. ❤God is at work through you and helping so many young people through your sacrificial time, energy, love and genuine caring. Merry Christmas to all and may God continue to bring many blessings in the New Year! Thank you for helping so many turn their lives around… Read more “…your sacrificial time, energy, love and genuine caring.”

Grandparent in Michigan

…our town looks AMAZING!!!!!

I can’t thank you guys enough, our town looks AMAZING!!!!! These kids worked there butts off and it was an experience I will never forget.  I was telling the Mayor that it really was one of the best days of my life. You guys are doing an amazing job with the kids and all they… Read more “…our town looks AMAZING!!!!!”

STC Partner in Orofino

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.”

Matt Strong, Vice Principal

Canyon Springs High School

I had a goofy smile on my face most all day.

I would just like to thank you and your staff. Mentor day in my eyes was a huge success and I day I will not forget. I have NEVER seen [my Mentee] like that. The difference between the boy that left for your program and the young man that I was with yesterday was truly mind… Read more “I had a goofy smile on my face most all day.”

15-1 Cadet Mentor

We are in awe…

…we want to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Idaho Youth Challenge Academy for all your hard work and dedication in making a difference in his life. Your leadership is remarkable and inspiring! Your enthusiasm and your ability to motivate your cadets are beyond amazing. The time he spent at the… Read more “We are in awe…”

Supporter in Kuna

…your program is one of the best out there.

I think your program is one of the best out there.  I am still totally blown away with it.  I know that both [Cadets] are doing great up there.  Yes they both have had their struggles but they have overcome them….You have a wonderful staff and you all work so well with each other.  Yes… Read more “…your program is one of the best out there.”

Mentor in Malad of 18-1 Cadet

…this program offers these kids an exciting opportunity of a lifetime…

I was fortunate to be able to attend the initial processing phase with my sister and her son, who is attending the Academy. I have been following the program’s process since it started and I was so excited to witness the warm, caring welcome of the staff and how the program works. The staff will… Read more “…this program offers these kids an exciting opportunity of a lifetime…”

Supporter in Deary