Macon Reporter

Illinois State Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) joined other state representatives aboard a Boeing CH-47 Chinook to fly to Rantoul to tour Lincoln's Challenge Academy campus earlier this month. 

Caulkins told his constituents about the trip in an April 1 Facebook post. 

"The Academy combines classroom instruction, service to community, life skills, job skills, computer literacy, physical training, and challenging individual and team activities into one unique experience," Caulkins wrote in the post. "There is NO cost to attend the academy. Uniforms, meals, and linens are provided."

Lincoln's Challenge Academy announced the start of the 58th class was scheduled to begin on July 13, 2022. They are offering tours on April 30 and May 22 for potential cadets. 

According to its website, children ages 16-18, including those in DCFS custody, can attend the 17-month quasi-military program that first started in 1993. It includes an 8-month residency phase followed by a year-long post-residential phase. GED classes and other training sessions are provided by the Illinois National Guard. 

To be admitted, a teenager must be at risk for not graduating or a secondary school dropout, free from illegal drug use, alcohol, and tobacco products during the program, not under indictment or ever convicted of a felony, and not under parole. They also must be a lawful citizen of the country and a resident of Illinois.