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.

 

ALUMNI IMPACT STORIES

The Youth & Government Program has helped young people grow into confident leaders, advocates, and professionals. Here are just a few alumni whose journeys show what’s possible:

  • Liliana Mendoza now works as a counselor at Sacramento City College, supporting students as they navigate higher education.
  • Trinidad Alcala Acros is a UC Irvine Medical School student on a full-ride scholarship, serving as President of Latinos in Surgery and a vocal advocate for healthcare access at the state and federal levels.
  • Victoria Vera became student body president at UC Berkeley and now works in housing policy, helping to shape more equitable communities across San Francisco and the East Bay.

Their paths are as unique as they are inspiring, but they all started in the same place: YMCA Youth & Government.

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)

2025-26 PROGRAM CALENDAR

Weekly Meetings Begin:

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

Events & Conferences:

  • October 5th, (Tentative) CapCo "Baby Bob" Coalition Conference (Location in Sac TBA)
  • November 7th-10th, 2025 Training Conference, Army National Guard Camp Roberts, San Miguel, CA (transportation provided from the Sacramento Central YMCA)
  • February 13th-16th, 2026 78th Model Legislature & Court, Sacramento, CA.

Volunteer Events:

We have a full slate of Volunteer Events this year. Delegates can earn 25 or more service hours over the course of the program year. Others may be added based on delegate interest.
  • September 20th-Great American River Clean Up
  • September 27th-YMCA S'moresfest Volunteer Event
  • December 7th-California International Marathon Volunteer Event
  • December 12th-Holiday Splash Event (title tbd)
  • April 25th, 2026-Health Kids Day
     

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

ADULT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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

REGISTRATION

Register today for a life-changing experience

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