YOUTH & GOVERNMENT
79th MODEL LEGISLATURE & COURT
OPEN TO ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN 9TH-12TH GRADES
PROGRAM RUNS SEPTEMBER-FEBRUARY
Registration Opens 9/1/26
For over 75 years, California YMCA Youth & Government has provided high school youth throughout California an experiential learning program by modeling California’s legislature and courts. The program offers teen youth participants from around the state the opportunity to collaborate with others, make new friends, and build skills such as critical thinking, persuasive public speaking, writing and research. Youth & Government is rooted in the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility and is a platform for social responsibility, servant leadership and personal development. We strive to offer a program where everyone feels a sense of belonging and that we help to support the spirit, mind and body of every individual.
Our goal is to nurture the next generation of civically engaged Californians so that they recognize the importance of:
CIVIC KNOWLEDGE
Understand the structure, function and procedures of the California Legislature, including bill development.
CIVIC AWARENESS
Developing the insight to identify and analyze the most significant challenges and issues facing their local communities
CIVIC ACTION
Mastering the tools needed to drive community change through mutual respect, personal responsibility and active listening
The Model Legislature & Court brings together more than 2,200 youth participants representing over 60 delegations across California.
The Model Legislature & Court brings together more than 2,200 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.
Our delegate-driven program includes many opportunities for teens to experience true leadership. Our Youth Governor, Secretary of State, and Chief Justice lead our program, supported and guided by over 100 dedicated volunteers.
To view the Youth & Government Handbook (coming soon, July 2026)
If you have questions about the Y & G program, please contact:
- Conejo/Simi Delegation, conejoyandg@sevymca.org
- Miller Delegation, milleryouthgov@sevymca.org
- Yarrow Delegation, yarrowyouthgov@sevymca.org
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Financial assistance is available for families who demonstrate a need for support to cover all or part of the program costs. This assistance is made possible through our generous Annual Support Campaign. To apply for financial aid, families should complete the Financial Assistance (FA) application form prior to registering for the program.
We encourage families to apply as soon as possible to ensure that you receive your financial aid offer in time to meet the registration deadline of September 27th. After submitting the FA form, the Y will review your application and contact you with an offer of financial assistance. If you choose to accept the offer, our team will guide you through the subsequent registration process.
CONFERENCE DATES
Local Overnight Training Conference:
SEVC YMCA Mini Bob Conference at the Conejo YMCA: October 2026
Camp Roberts Training Conference:
Training & Elections Statewide Conference at Camp Roberts National Guard Base: November 13 - 16, 2026
Sacramento Program Conference:
77th Model Legislature & Court in Sacramento, CA: February 12-15, 2027