EQUIPPING A GENERATION TO IMPROVE OUR NATION

WHAT IS YOUTH & GOVERNMENT?

A nation-wide YMCA program in which students learn the mechanics of government and the media by participating in hands-on activities in their club at their school or local YMCA. Texas Youth & Government

HOW DO WE PARTICIPATE IN YG?

  • Ask your local YMCA to do a presentation at your school
  • Engage a dedicated adult advisor
  • Begin a club with your local YMCA
  • Prepare, practice and participate!

*Financial Assistance & Income Based Club fees are available

WHY PARTICIPATE IN YG?

YG is a life-changing program. 
Students gain the following from YG:

  • Confidence
  • Leadership and Public Speaking Skills
  • Empathy and Diplomacy
  • Stronger work ethic
  • Value of voting and volunteering
  • Organized decision making skills
  • New friends and important life-long connections
  • A better understanding of the workings of government

For your students, YG also helps enhance academic and UIL performance, as well as already existing clubs such as Media, Debate and World Affairs, Mock Trial and more.

YG PROGRAM EVENTS:

District Conference – Dallas, December

Students compete against local students in their chosen area.

State Conference – Austin, January (High School) & February (Middle School)

Students compete against students from across the state in their chosen area.

Conference On National Affairs – Blue Ridge, North Carolina, June/July

Top 25 selected students in the state write about and debate national and international issues that are important to them with students from across the nation.

National Mock Trial Competition – Chicago, July

Top teams from State Conference are selected and compete against other teams from around the nation.

Youth & Government 

Democracy must be learned by each generation. YMCA Youth & Government is a statewide civic education and leadership program in which schools, civic organizations and Ys involve kids in hands-on learning experiences.

YMCA Youth and Government allows middle and high school students to experience the excitement of our state government in action.

Students meet regularly as a club during the fall semester and throughout the year. Each club consists of participating students and an adult sponsor (usually a teacher) and is guided and supported by YMCA staff and volunteers. Students choose to participate in one of four areas: legislative, judicial, media, or state affairs forum.  Model United Nations in also an option.

In November, clubs compete at District Conference, and the top individuals and teams advance to the State Conferences in January and February in Austin.  Model United Nations Assembly takes place in April.