Gateway Region YMCA Hosts Youth and Government Conference at St. Louis University Law School

The Gateway Region YMCA is pleased to announce its annual Youth and Government (YAG) Conference, scheduled for March 7, 2025, at St. Louis University Law School. This pivotal event gathers high school students from across the region for an immersive and educational experience focused on government, legislation, and civic engagement.

The conference features students from Governor French Academy, Belleville West High School, Edwardsville High School, Confluence Academy, Sumner High School, Cardinal Ritter High School, and Job Corps.

Students come together to assume roles as lawmakers, government officials, and activists. Participants work in simulated legislative chambers where they draft, research and present ordinances on topics including civil rights, criminal justice reform, and resource distribution. Legislation is passed and signed into law by the appointed student mayor. Conference activities run from 9 am to 2 pm.

Keynote Speaker Addressing Students – A guest speaker, possibly a government official or legal professional, stands at the front of the room, delivering remarks to an audience of engaged students.

Students in Legislative Session – A diverse group of high school students dressed in business attire sits in a large lecture hall, attentively listening and taking notes as a student stands at a podium presenting an ordinance.

Student Delivering a Speech – A young participant confidently speaks into a microphone at a podium, addressing peers during a formal debate session.

A female student writes on a yellow sticky note and places it on a whiteboard covered with other colorful notes. She is focused, with a pen in hand, contributing to a brainstorming or discussion activity.

Committee Breakout Session – Small groups of students sit around tables, engaged in discussions and reviewing notes while drafting legislative proposals.

Speaker Addressing Students – A guest speaker, Ken Strawbridge, District Vice President at the Gateway Region YMCA, stands at the front of the room at a St. Louis Community College podium, delivering remarks to an audience of engaged students.

Law students from St. Louis University Law School assist participants in the ordinance-writing process, providing insights into both the legislative process and the real-world implications of their proposals.

The conference is made possible by Gateway Region YMCA and St.Louis University Law School. The Gateway Region YMCA Youth and Government Conference promises to be a transformative experience, empowering students with the tools and knowledge to engage meaningfully in the democratic process and to help them become future leaders in their communities.

Group Photo of Participants – A large group of students, law school mentors, and YMCA staff poses together at the end of the conference, smiling in front of a backdrop featuring the Gateway Region YMCA and St. Louis University Law School logos.

Collaboration with Law Students – A Missouri Judge leans over a table, helping high school students refine their ordinances with legal guidance. Papers and law books are spread across the table.

Students in Legislative Session – A diverse group of high school students dressed in business attire sits in a large courthouse floor.

Students in Legislative Session – A diverse group of high school students dressed in business attire standing in front of the courtroom judge's podium.

Two female students sit at desks on a courtroom floor, smiling at the camera. They are dressed in business attire, with papers and notebooks in front of them, participating in the Youth and Government conference.

Media interested in more information about the programs may contact Barrett Wagner, barrett.wagner@gwrymca.org, 270-556-9002.

About the Gateway Region YMCA:
The Gateway Region Y is a nonprofit organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, featuring 24 traditional Y branches in Missouri and Illinois, along with the Campus Y student leadership facility at Washington University. The Y also includes YMCA Camp Lakewood and Trout Lodge in Potosi, Missouri. The Carondelet Park Rec Complex and O’Fallon Park Rec Complex are owned by the City of St. Louis and operated by the Y. Additionally, the RiverChase YMCA is owned by the City of Fenton and operated by the Y. The Y is committed to serving people of all abilities. For those who qualify, the Y offers financial assistance so everyone has the opportunity to participate in its programs, regardless of ability to pay. The Y is a proud member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. For more information, please visit gwrymca.org or call 314-436-1177.