University of Wisconsin - Extension

July 13, 2007

For More Information

Lynn Brockmeyer, WPT publicist, (608) 263-3364

Christine Sloan Miller, WPT producer, (608) 263-7124

Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) Producer Frederica Freyberg follows members of a recent class at Fort McCoy's Wisconsin National Guard Academy from their first day through graduation and beyond.

Inside Challenge Academy: An In Wisconsin Special airs on WPT at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 19 with an encore broadcast scheduled for 12 p.m. Sunday, July 22. WMVS-TV in Milwaukee will air the program at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, July 22.

Each year approximately 200 16-to-18-year-olds –– who are failing at their local traditional high schools –– enroll in the 22-week Wisconsin National Guard Academy program at Fort McCoy.

The goal of the academy's program, which combines tough love with hard-core physical fitness and high academic expectations, is to set graduates on a new path.

Funding for In Wisconsin is provided, in part, by Alliant Energy, UW Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, UW Health and the Wisconsin Technical College System.

WPT is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV/DT, Madison; WPNE-TV/DT, Green Bay; WHRM-TV/DT, Wausau; WLEF-TV/DT, Park Falls; WHLA-TV/DT, La Crosse; and WHWC-TV/DT, Menomonie-Eau Claire.