Youth and Government

Program Overview 

Founded in Albany in 1936, YMCA Youth and Government is a premier national program that involves thousands of teens nationwide in state-organized, model-government programs. Students from every corner of New York State immerse themselves in experiential civic engagement through debate and discussion of issues which affect their fellow New Yorkers and by proposing legislation on a wide variety of topics. The program culminates each March with participants serving as delegates at the State Conference in Albany, where they debate their bills on the floor of the state legislature. Additionally, for students more interested in the legal system or in journalism, the program offers the opportunity to take on the role of an attorney in the Judicial Program, or to participate in the press pool as a member of the Press Program.

Program Highlights

• Create a mock bill and travel to Albany to present it at the State Capitol (Judicial & Press pathways are also available)
• Enhance your public speaking and research skills and learn about how government works
• Make new friends and meet elected officials and other community leaders

Current Program Session Information

• 2025-26 Program Runs Sept. 28, 2025 - April 19, 2026
• Saratoga Springs YMCA - Mondays 6 - 8pm

For More Information

Please contact Ben McNutt, Youth and Government Coordinator at Ben.McNutt@srymca.org