Youth and Government Program

Growing the next generation of civically engaged Californians

Since 1948, the YMCA’s Youth & Government (Y&G) program has provided an unmatched experiential learning opportunity for high school students. By modeling California’s legislature and courts, participants can build skills such as critical thinking, persuasive speech and writing, project management, and collaboration. Our program is rooted in the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, and believes in the importance of servant leadership and media literacy to a healthy democracy.

Our goal is to grow the next generation of civically engaged Californians. Civically engaged Californians recognize the importance of:

Civic Knowledge: They understand the structure and function of government.
Civic Awareness: They can identify the major issues facing their communities.
Civic Action: They are equipped with the tools they’ll need to make change in their community.

Delegates will focus on one of several program areas that model California state government and which are designed to equip them with the tools they need to become and remain civically engaged throughout life and to advocate for themselves and their communities. Delegates will learn about trending policy topics in subject areas like education, the environment, public safety, and more. They'll learn how legislation is made as they act as Legislators, Advocates, or Analysts. A court program will teach participants about the impact of lawsuits and legal decisions on public policy. Delegates can even model journalists and learn how to produce news articles and videos.

DELEGATION MEETINGS

The program year runs from August through March. We currently have delegations based in Sacramento, El Dorado Hills, and western Nevada County. Delegation meetings are led by the student officer team. During meetings, delegates have the chance to get to know one another, learn about the basic structures of government, hear from guest speakers, and hear about program leadership opportunities. They’ll also practice their public speaking skills during frequent debates and discussions about today’s top issues.

CONFERENCES

Delegates attend a local coalition conference and two in-person statewide conferences where they will interact with other Delegates from around California. At statewide conferences, Delegates will hear from keynote speakers, run for elected officer positions, receive training on their program areas, and put into practice everything they have learned throughout the program year.

Participation in Youth & Government programming constitutes an excused absence under the California Education Code. Delegates must attend conferences in full (no in-and-out privileges)

2024-25 PROGRAM CALENDAR

Weekly Meetings Begin:

August 20, 2025 for our Sacramento Delegation
August 21, 2025 for our El Dorado Hills Delegation
August 21, 2025 for our Western Nevada County delegation

Events & Conferences:

Saturday, September 27 - S'moresfest Volunteer Event
Friday, November 7 – Monday, November 10, 2025, Camp Roberts, San Miguel, CA (transportation provided)
Sunday, December 7 - CIM Volunteer Event
Friday, February 13 – Monday, February 16, 2026, California State Capitol, Sacramento, CA

FEES AND FINANCIAL AID

Our program fee for the 2025-26 year will be available soon, please check back. Financial assistance is available.

We are committed to equal program access for all and are dedicated to ensuring the benefits of Y&G are available to every student in our community without regard to financial need. No delegate should ever drop out or refrain from joining because of financial concerns. If you want to do this program, we want you to do this program!

Questions? Contact: ygcoordinator@ymcasuperiorcal.org

ADULTS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

To join our volunteer adult advising team, visit https://bit.ly/CapCoAdvisorApp

Youth & Government