MYCA & UMW to Host Educator Airlift Event on October 21st

September 30, 2026

The Montana Youth Challenge Academy, in partnership with the Montana National Guard 1-189th (General Support Aviation Battalion) and the University of Montana Western, will host a statewide Educator Airlift on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

This unique event brings together high school administrators, counselors, and staff from across Montana to experience the MYCA program firsthand. Attendees will gain insight into the Youth Challenge model of development, explore student success and graduation pathways, and learn more about UMW’s Experience One program. Meanwhile, National Guard crews will complete essential aviation training. 

Participants will fly in from areas across the state, including Missoula, Helena, and Billings. The event is designed to strengthen connections and awareness and help MYCA better serve Montana’s youth.

As part of the day’s activities, military helicopters are scheduled to land around noon on the south end of campus in the tailgating/parking area.

This will be an exciting opportunity to see aircraft land on campus, but it also requires some important safety measures:

• The south tailgating/parking lot and the adjacent parking lot near the BARC will be closed during the event. Please plan ahead to park in a different lot on October 21 and move any of your parked vehicles from this area by 5:00 p.m. on October 20. 
• These areas must remain clear of all vehicles and individuals to ensure public safety, provide safe landing space, and to account for rotor wash from the helicopters as they land and take off throughout the afternoon on October 21.
• The Emerick parking lot usually has spaces available as an alternative parking location.

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping these spaces clear and safe for this special event. For more information, please contact the Montana Youth Challenge Academy at 406-960-4424.