Lincoln’s Challenge Academy (LCA) was established in 1993. The Illinois National Guard was given the mission to design a military academy for at risk Freshmen through Senior high school students. The students cannot have past or pending criminal records or drug problems. Most of the cadre are current or former National Guard or active-duty service members.
LCA is located near Rantoul at the former Chanute Air Force Base. Several cadets earned certificates in welding, culinary and CNAs. Many earned their GED and some participated in credit recovery courses. Those Cadets will return to their High School and continue coursework. You can read the speeches of the Valedictorians to learn how much this personally meant. Also, a list of class statistics. Not listed was the accomplishment of one cadet improving 8 grades while attending the 5 1/2 month long course.
