- Must be between the ages of 18 - 20 (If you are 21 years of age or older, please visit our Volunteer section to learn more about the opportunities offered this program year)
- Must commit to 3-6 hours per week for the entire program length
- Attendance is mandatory at all required Y&G webinars, Zoom meetings, and virtual conferences. If any dates conflict with any prior engagements, please reach out to your Intern Staff as soon as possible.
- Internet and a computer, laptop, or phone is needed. (Device with a camera is highly encouraged)
- If you have any issues acquiring these devices, please contact danielle@calymca.org
- You must submit an application (including your resume, cover letter, and two references) to the Intern Program before being accepted. To fill out the VIP application, please click here. The deadline to submit for the Winter Session is Tuesday, Jan 5th and the deadline for the Spring Session is Tuesday, Feb 16th.
- When accepted, you may have to submit an official registration form. (A link to the form will be provided)

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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