YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT AT THE Y


Youth and Government (YAG) provides students the opportunity to experience the democratic process and develop the leadership skills needed to become citizens of a participatory society. Based on the motto “Democracy Must Be Learned By Each Generation,” Youth and Government is a nationwide program that involves more than thousands of youth each year. See below for how the Gateway Region YMCA participates in and supports these programs locally, state-wide, nationally, and internationally.

 

Contact Us & Learn More

Jacob Henderson
Director of Civic Engagement
jacob.henderson@gwrymca.org
(314) 421-8910

Youth and Government Interest Form

Legislative Resources
General Units and Lesson Plans
Sites to Look Up Current and Pending Legislation
Helpful Videos
Judicial Resources
General Units and Lesson Plans
Sites to Look Up Court Precedent
Voting Resources

Additional Voter Resources

 

Thank you to the League of Women Voters for offering voter registration and resources in our Y lobbies during Welcoming Week 2023! Check out some photos below.
 

table at the ymca with voter registration information
voter registration at emerson ymca
carondelet park rec complex voter registration

 

Branch Delegation Enrollment

Missouri Youth & Government (MOYAG) is open to 9th-12th graders. It engages them in mock government in a program that culminates with a 3-day convention in Jefferson City with high schoolers from across the state. Delegation meetings will be weekly starting the week of September 11, 2023.

MOYAG Delegation at Carondelet Park

MOYAG Delegation at Edward Jones

MOYAG Delegation at Emerson

MOYAG Delegation at South City

MOYAG Financial Aid Form

Branch Delegation Deadlines & Dates
  • August 23, 2023 - Branch Delegations Virtual Meeting
  • August 25, 2023 - Letters & emails will be sent to parents of teens, CITS, etc.
  • September 4, 2023 - Registrations for Branch Delegation opens
  • September 11, 2023 - Branch Delegation Starts (Week 1)
    • TBA - Conference Registration due
    • TBA - Financial Aid Registration due
      • *Financial Aid decisions will be made two weeks after the deadline.
  • September 18, 2023 - Branch Delegation meetings (Week 2)
    • Y Chaperone Registration due
  • September 23, 2023 - Kick-Off Event
  • September 25, 2023 - Week 3
  • September 29, 2023 - Student Registration closes
    • Financial Assistance due
    • Program Leadership Applications due
    • Candidate Filing opens
  • October 2, 2023 - Week 4
  • October 9, 2023 - Week 5
  • October 13, 2023 - Bills are due
    • Program Fee of $275 due
    • Legislative Bills are due by 11:59pm
    • Candidate Filing closes at 11:59pm
  • October 16, 2023 - Week 6
  • October 23, 2023 - Week 7
  • October 30, 2023 - Week 8
  • November 6, 2023 - Week 9
  • November 13, 2023 - Week 10
    • Parent Orientation Meetings at the branches
  • November 27, 2023 - Week 11
  • November 30, 2023 - December 2, 2023 - Convention in Jefferson City
8th Grade Missouri Youth and Government Delegation

We are thrilled to provide you with comprehensive information about the 8th Grade Youth and Government program, covering our agenda, attire, meals and rooms, transportation, chaperones, and program goals. Click below to learn more!

LEARN MORE


 

students in local youth and government

LOCAL


Each year, our school-based program, YMCA Local Youth and Government, provides students, grades 9-12, the opportunity to experience the democratic process and develop the leadership skills needed to become citizens of a participatory society. Youth connect directly with local officials around issues impacting them and their communities.

Mark your calendars! The next Local Youth and Government is April 25, 2024 at the St. Louis Community College Florissant Valley, 8am - 2pm.

missouri youth and government

STATE

Missouri YMCA YAG is a student-driven simulation of state government, which involves 1,100 MO youth in grades 8-12.

Beginning in the fall of each year, students come together in their local delegations to choose their roles, register, and prepare for State Conference. At the State Conference, all participants in Missouri come together for a 3-day event at the State Capitol.

2023 DATES

LEARN MORE

Missouri Youth & Government (MOYAG) is open to 9th-12th graders. It engages them in mock government in a program that culminates with a 3-day convention in Jefferson City with high schoolers from across the state. Delegation meetings will be weekly starting the week of September 11, 2023

MOYAG Delegation at Carondelet Park

MOYAG Delegation at Emerson

MOYAG Delegation at South City

Illinois YMCA YAG is a leadership development program for high school students where participants immerse themselves in all aspects of IL government by assuming roles of legislators, attorneys, executive officials, lobbyists, press members, and more. IL YAG is for grades 9-12 each year.

IL YAG holds two conventions, with pre-conventions happening in December, November, and February, and an assembly in March.

LEARN MORE

In collaboration with St. Louis University School of Law, Back to Basics is an 8-week school-based program for teens ages 13-18. During this program, teens research pending legislation by interviewing stakeholders that will be affected by the proposed change. They present their findings and recommendations to state elected officials.

What ages are eligible for Back to Basics?
Teens ages 13-18 who are enrolled in school, 19-year-olds still in high school are also accepted.

What do I do if my school doesn't participate?
Since Back to Basics is a school-based program, if your school is not participating, reach out to your teachers and have them connect with Jacob at jacob.henderson@gwrymca.org.

Is there a cost associated with Back to Basics?
No, we do not charge for this program.

Where does Back to Basics meet?
Back to Basics sessions are currently at multiple high schools in the St. Louis City and East St. Louis areas.

Who leads this program?
A YMCA Director and St. Louis University law students facilitate this program weekly.

cona national conference

NATIONAL


The YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs (CONA) is a competitive program that was started in 1968 as a follow-up to the outstanding state's Youth in Government programs conducted by the YMCA throughout the U.S. 

Learn More

ymca teens visiting teens in ukraine world service

​INTERNATIONAL


The Gateway Region YMCA also works with international teens and students. We regularly host exchange trips for teens with our international partner YMCAs. Check our webpage or talk to someone at your local Y branch to learn more about how you can get involved.

Learn More​

"One of my students mentioned how this program has completely changed his outlook on other people's perspectives. He said he has become much more open-minded to different viewpoints and looks forward to continued growth in this area."

~ Youth and Government teacher


MORE TO EXPLORE AT THE Y

Teen Leaders

Leaders Club is a program for teens ages 13-18 that provides opportunities for personal and professional development.
An image of a diverse group of six teenagers gathered together arm-in-arm for a photo at the YMCA.
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Volunteer

Volunteering at the Y is an opportunity for older youth and teens, ages 14-17, to develop leadership and job skills.
A diverse group of five YMCA volunteers sitting on the ground, wearing matching blue t-shirts. There are three females and two males in the group.
Learn More

STEAM Programs

In STEAM programs, youth are engaged in activities that nurture their curiosity, inspire creativity, and cultivate the engineering mindset through real world learning.
family steam night
Learn More

Mental Health Resources

We aim to remove the stigma around mental illness and encourage regular conversation about mental wellness.
teen son talking with dad
Learn More