PIERCE, ID – The Idaho Youth Challenge Academy (IDYCA) in Pierce officially opened a new $15 million student barracks during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, attended by Maj. Gen. Tim Donnellan, adjutant general of Idaho, and former Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter.
The three-story, 18,000-square-foot facility was designed to improve safety and expand capacity for up to 180 students and cadre members. In addition to sleeping quarters, the barracks include meeting and training rooms to support the academy’s programs.
“This facility was specifically engineered for the safety and well-being of 180 students and cadre, increasing from the old barracks size and enabling the program to grow in the future,” Donnellan said.
Gov. Otter, who signed the 2012 legislation authorizing the IDYCA, cut the ribbon at the event. In recognition of his role in the program’s creation, the new barracks were named in his honor.
“Our Commander in Chief, the Honorable Brad Little, has directed that these barracks be opened and to be named after Gov. ‘Butch’ Otter, forever recognizing his vision and commitment to Idaho’s Youth,” Donnellan said. “These barracks will give students a place to safely rest and recuperate from the rigors of today while recharging for the challenges of tomorrow.”
Since opening its first class in 2014, the IDYCA has graduated more than 2,400 Idaho students. The program focuses on helping at-risk youth recover lost credits, earn high school diplomas or GED certificates, and build pathways for future success.
