Local Students Make Their Voices Heard at State Capital During Historic YMCA Youth and Government Conference

For the first time in the Saratoga Regional YMCA’s history, local students took their seats among hundreds of youth leaders from across New York State—stepping into the roles of legislators, advocates, and changemakers during the 90th Annual New York State YMCA Youth and Government State Conference in Albany.

Held this past weekend, the milestone conference brought together more than 800 high school students, making it the largest gathering in the program’s 90-year history. For seven students from the Saratoga Regional YMCA, it marked not only their debut in the program, but a transformative introduction to civic engagement at the state level.

Founded in Albany in 1936, YMCA Youth and Government is the YMCA of the USA’s premier civic education program, serving more than 40,000 students annually across 40 states. The program empowers young people to explore the democratic process firsthand—by debating legislation, engaging in courtroom proceedings, and learning how policy impacts real lives.

A Community Investment in Youth Leadership

Thanks to the generous support of the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs, all seven inaugural Saratoga Regional YMCA Youth and Government delegates were able to attend the conference at no cost to themselves or their families, removing financial barriers and opening the door to an experience few forget.

From the moment the conference began—with opening remarks delivered in person by YMCA of the USA CEO Suzanne McCormick—students were immersed in a powerful learning environment that challenged them to think critically, speak confidently, and engage respectfully with peers from every corner of the state.

From First-Time Delegates to Legislative Success

Over the course of the weekend, Saratoga Regional YMCA students did far more than observe. They actively participated—and excelled.

All three legislative proposals authored by Saratoga students were passed by their peers in the student legislature, a remarkable achievement for a first-year delegation. Two of those bills are now advancing even further: one was signed by the Youth Governor, and another received the support of more than two-thirds of all legislative delegates, overriding a veto. Both proposals will soon be transmitted to the New York State Legislature for review and further consideration.

Alongside debating bills on the floor of the State Assembly and presenting courtroom arguments, students also had the rare opportunity to meet directly with elected officials. Congressman Paul Tonko and New York State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner addressed the conference and met personally with students, discussing policy issues, answering questions, and encouraging them to consider futures in public service.

Building the Next Generation of Civic Leaders

“The success of this year’s conference and its impact on our students is proof positive of the immense value of the YMCA’s Youth and Government program,” said Ben McNutt, Youth and Government program alumnus and Coordinator for the Saratoga Regional YMCA. “It’s also a testament to the Y’s commitment to bringing this opportunity to deserving students across our service area.”

McNutt added that the accomplishments and enthusiasm of this inaugural group have laid the groundwork for growth. Plans are already underway to expand high school participation and to launch a middle school Youth and Government program in the coming school year.

As the conference concluded, Saratoga’s students returned home not only with legislative wins, but with something even more lasting: a deeper understanding of how government works, the confidence to use their voices, and the belief that they can help shape the future of their community.

To learn more about the Saratoga Regional YMCA’s Youth and Government program, visit srymca.org/youthandgovernment or contact Ben McNutt at ben.mcnutt@srymca.org.