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Wisconsin Challenge Academy

The Wisconsin Challenge Academy is an opportunity for students at Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) to work on soft skills and high school equivalency diploma tests during a five-and-a-half-month residency at Fort McCoy.

This program is open to male and female students and is free for participants. Sessions begin each January and July.

Program Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, students must meet the following criteria:

Are between 16 years and 9 months old to 18 years old (at the start of the program)
Are one or more years behind in high school credits, were expelled, or dropped out of high school
Are current City of Milwaukee residents and citizens or legal residents of the United States
Are drug-free (upon entry to the program)
Are NOT currently on parole or probation (other than juvenile status offenses)
Have a mentor (non-family member) to support them during and after their participation in the academy
Volunteer to participate

Once enrolled in the program, students focus on eight core areas:

Academic excellence
Physical fitness
Leadership
Health and hygiene
Life-coping skills
Responsible citizenship
Community service
Job skills

Graduates of the program return to MPS to continue their education, complete credits, and graduate.

More Information

Learn More About the Wisconsin Challenge Academy

School visits are conducted twice a year by Wisconsin Challenge Academy staff to promote and recruit participants. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend these sessions.

If you have any questions about the Wisconsin Challenge Academy, including the application process, please contact Extended Learning Opportunities at elo@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or (414) 475-8238.