Kankakee Times

On April 1, Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) and others in the House took a helicopter ride to the campus of Lincoln’s Challenge Academy in Rantoul.

“I was honored to have this opportunity with my colleagues!” Hass posted on Facebook.

The academy’s 58th class is set to begin on July 13. It is offering tours for potential attendees April 30 and May 22.

The Illinois House Republicans posted about it on Facebook as well. “Yesterday morning before session, a bipartisan group of lawmakers took a field trip to Lincoln’s Challenge Academy in Rantoul to learn about this important and free program offered for Illinois teens. The experience was organized by Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Woodhull) and the Illinois National Guard, who provided two Chinook helicopters to take the Reps. from Springfield to Rantoul to tour the academy.”

Lincoln’s Challenge Academy is a cost-free residential program for Illinois teens who are within the age group of 16-18 years and are willing to better their futures. The Lincoln’s Challenge Academy combines all kinds of service to the community, classroom instructions, job skills, life skills, physical training, computer training, and challenging team activities into a unique curriculum. The program includes two phases – the Residential Phase, which is 22 weeks, and the Post-Residential Phase, which is 12 months. The Residential Phase involves rigorous physical and mental activities. In the Post-Residential Phase, cadets work in the direction of completing their Individual Life Plan. After that, they can start living their adult lives and use their new skills by volunteering, continuing their education, or opting for employment.