California YMCA Youth & Government | Civic Education and Personal Growth Skills for High School and Middle School Students

View All News

Advocacy Academy

California Virtual Youth Assembly

Model United Nations Activities

73rd Youth Governor Inaugural Ball Sponsorship Opportunities

California Breaks Records During The 52nd Conference On National Affairs

72nd Youth Governor Inaugural Ball Is A Smashing Success

Explore Our Programs

Model Legislature & Court

California YMCA Youth & Government’s Model Legislature & Court (MLC) program was established 70 years ago and continues to be the state’s premier youth leadership and civic engagement program. The MLC creates a six-month learn-by-doing experience that teaches the values of democracy by bringing together a cross-section of high school students from across the state of California.

Learn More

Explore Our Programs

Model United Nations

California YMCA Youth & Government has offered the Model United Nations (MUN) program to middle school students throughout the state since 2001. Middle school students (delegates) participate in the program with their peers. They are given the opportunity to discuss international issues, discover other cultures, develop life-enhancing skills, and make new friends. The four-month program culminates when delegates from around the state meet at the annual Model United Nations Summit in Los Angeles, California.

Learn More

Explore Our Programs

Spring Conference

Spring Conference participants learn leadership skills, practice their speech and debate skills, and run for office in a fun and relaxed environment. This event is a condensed version of the Model Legislature & Court program and is a great introduction to two of the program’s major components: the Legislative Houses and the National Issues Commission.

Learn More

Explore Our Programs

Conference on National Affairs (CONA)

The Conference on National Affairs (CONA) is a ten-day, nationwide conference. Its primary focuses are to gain an awareness of National concerns and issues, as well as increase the understanding of Federal Government and its relation to State, National and International matters. Participants author individual proposals of national or international scope and then champion these proposals through a competitive debate process.

Learn More

Explore Our Programs

National Judicial Competition

The National Judicial Competition (NJC) is a nationwide Appellate Court and Mock Trial competition program hosted by the YMCA of the USA in partnership with the American Bar Association. This program brings together Youth and Government participants from around the country to face off in mock trial and appellate court competitions.

Learn More

MODEL LEGISLATURE & COURT

73rd Training & Elections I

November 6-8, 2020
Fresno, CA, USA

73rd Training & Elections II

January 16-18, 2021
Fresno, CA, USA

73rd Model Legislature & Court

February 11-15, 2021
Sacramento, CA, USA

MODEL UNITED NATIONS

19th MUN Online Program

April 27, 2020 - May 31, 2020

Y&G SPECIAL
EVENTS

73rd Youth Inaugural Ball

October 3, 2020
Universal City, CA, USA

Providing Life Changing Experiences for Youth

The YMCA is a cause-driven organization that focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. California YMCA Youth & Government is an integral part of the YMCA movement and has been providing service to local YMCAs for 70 years. We now engage close to 5,000 high school and middle school youth from across the state each year, in programs emphasizing civic engagement. Our efforts provide participants the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills that will shape their lives and our society’s future.

Participate Volunteer Donate