Youth & Government

YMCA Youth & Government encourages students to develop leadership skills and self-confidence to last a lifetime, through the study of public issues, debate of public policy, writing of legislation and an experience in the State Government process.  While working throughout the year as jurists, attorneys, legislators and members of the press corps, students emerge as confident peer role models and young leaders at the annual model government session at the State Capitol.

Many of today’s political leaders credit  their participation in YMCA Youth & Government programs as their reason for entering the government arena.  Most importantly, some of the legislation proposed by teens in Youth & Government has gone on to be presented by actual legislators and signed into New York State Law.