Youth & Government

Youth & Government

For over 74 years, California YMCA Youth & Government has provided high school youth throughout California an experiential learning program by modeling California’s legislature and courts. The program offers teen youth participants from around the state the opportunity to collaborate with others, make new friends, and build skills such as critical thinking, persuasive public speaking, writing and research. Youth & Government is a platform for social responsibility, servant leadership and personal development.

Our goal is to nurture the next generation of civically engaged Californians so that they recognize the importance of:

The 75th Model Legislature & Court is planning for an in-person conference year, bringing together more than 1700 youth participants representing over 50 delegations across California. Delegates will convene on a weekly basis at local delegation meetings. The program will include in-person conferences in November and February that allow participants the opportunity to put their training into action as they assume their given roles. Legislation is debated and court cases are decided, as students apply skills they have gained in the program.

During the program students will have the opportunity to:

  • Campaign to bring about political and social change. 
  • Meet students from all over California
  • Debate both state and national issues
  • Vote in state elections
  • Write a legislative bill
  • Argue a court case
  • Run for state and local offices 
  • Grow as a individual and a community member.

 

Grades:

9-12

Location:

San Pablo Y

Start Date:

September 6, 2022

Day:

Tuesday

Time:

6:00 pm