Youth and Government
Teen Leadership Programs for Middle School and High School Students
California Youth and Government is a premier program empowering high school and middle school students to dive into politics and government. Through simulations and real-world problem-solving, Youth and Government hones critical skills, fostering future leaders committed to positive change in California and beyond. This is the ultimate opportunity to provide your teen with a transformative civic education experience. Below are the active program we are currently offering.
MODEL LEGISLATURE & COURT (MLC) HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM – GRADES 9–12
The Model Legislature & Court (MLC) brings together more than 1,300 youth participants representing over 60 delegations across California. Delegates will convene on a weekly basis at local delegation meetings. The program will include in-person events in November and February that allow participants the opportunity to put their training into action as they assume their given roles. Legislation is debated and court cases are decided, as students apply skills they have gained in the program.
MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN) | MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM – GRADES 6–8
Middle school students or “ambassadors” come together in delegations and participate in the program with peers from across California. They are given the opportunity to discuss international issues, discover other cultures, develop lifeenhancing skills, and make new friends. The three-month program includes two in-person events*, a 1-day training and the culminating 2-night Model United Nations Summit. There, delegates represent assigned countries as ambassadors and work to solve global issues with the skills they have acquired.
PARTICIPATING BRANCHES
Dan McKinney Family YMCA
MODEL LEGISLATURE & COURT (MLC) HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM – GRADES 9–12
Important Dates and Information:
- Parent Information Session: Updates for our 2025—2026 session coming soon!
- Weekly Meetings: Updates for our 2025—2026 session coming soon!
- MLC Conferences: Finalized dates for our 2025—2026 session coming soon!
- Training Conference 1: November 2025
- Training Conference 2: January 2026 | Virtual Program Area Workshop
- MLC Sacramento Conference: February 2026
REGISTRATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 2025
For more information, please reach out to Hannah Lewis, hlewis@ymcasd.org | 858-453-3483 ext 1832.
MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN) | MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM – GRADES 6–8
Important Dates and Information:
- Parent Information Session: Updates for our 2026 session coming soon!
- Weekly Meetings: Updates for our 2026 session coming soon!
- MUN Conferences: Finalized dates for our 2026 session coming soon!
- Training Conference 1: March 2026
- MUN Summit: April 2026
REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 2026
For more information, please reach out to Hannah Lewis, hlewis@ymcasd.org | 858-453-3483 ext 1832.
SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE
Financial aid and scholarships are available to those who qualify. For more information, visit our Community Support page for more information.
