Youth & Government
The YMCA Youth and Government program, a nationally recognized initiative since 1936, immerses high school students in state-level government and politics, promoting civic literacy and community engagement. With a legacy of contributing to the passage of over 300 real laws across the nation, the program has a lasting impact on both individuals and communities. It empowers young voices, strengthens civic health, and offers students the opportunity to serve their schools, communities, and states through model government, civic engagement, and service-learning.
YMCA YOUTH & GOVERNMENT CLUBS
(Grades 9 through 12)
Make a difference in your community by becoming involved in the political process. Get a taste of various public service careers to find if they match your interests and talents. Develop lasting friendships and expand your horizons. The YMCA Youth and Government is a national program involving thousands of teens in forty state programs all across the nation. The New York State YMCA Youth and Government program provides high school teens at Nyack, Pearl River and North Rockland high schools with an opportunity to have their voice heard and to learn how change is brought about through the democratic political process. You do this is a hands-on manner by playing the role of a legislator, attorney, judge, lobbyist, or journalist over the course of a three to four month Winter and Spring program.
This program is open to teens in grades 9 to 12 at Nyack, North Rockland, PTECH, Pearl River, and Tappan Zee High Schools.
If you are interested in participating contact John Dillon at 845 643 3061 or email JDillon@rocklandymca.org or contact your school Youth & Government Advisor.
Students may continue with the program each year throughout their stay at high school. Those who become Youth Officers and other outstanding participants go on to participate in the YMCA National Affairs Conference in Black Mountain, NC and the National Youth Governors Conference in Washington, DC.
Youth & Government Register Here
For more information contact:
John Dillon, Youth and Teen Director 845 643 3072 ext. 401 JDillon@rocklandymca.org
Danielle Ball, Assistant Youth and Teen Director 845 643 3071 ext. 402 DBall@rocklandymca.org
LeAsia Royall, New York State Regional Coordinator, Lroyall@ymcanys.org
Drew Caldwell, New York State Youth Director Dcaldwell@ymcanys.org