Youth & Government

YMCA Youth in Government, is a civic engagement and service-learning program that offers high school students the opportunity to serve in a model government process at the local, state, national, and international levels.

Youth in Government began in New York State in 1936. We are 75 years old! Clement Duran, Secretary of the Albany YMCA, realized the government's need for more leaders of high moral character and integrity. He hoped that such a highly meaningful experience might inspire the youth to think seriously about government as a career--or at least to stimulate the beginning of their active participation in government as a citizen. The slogan "Democracy Must Be Learned by Each Generation" was developed by Duran as a motto to interpret the purpose of the program.

As of 2011, the program currently operates in 37 states and the District of Columbia, serving nearly 60,000 students around the country.

The annual Model Youth Legislature is composed of Youth Senators and Representatives that meet in the legislative chambers of the state capitol to debate bills written and sponsored by the students during the program year.

The Youth Legislature has a full-scale 3 day State Assembly, operating a complete model government that offers student delegates the opportunity to serve as members of the Executive Branch, Judicial Branch, Press Corps & Media, and Lobbyist Firms through numerous types of Program Areas.

Our CHARTER delegation has begun with our wonderful Martin County High School and South Fork High School students and Teacher Advisors. We will invite all of Martin County, St. Lucie and Okeechobee High Schools to join our delegation next year.