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

Student/Parent 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

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 and view our upcoming voter registration dates.

  • Monday, February 19, 1-3 pm - Bayer YMCA
  • Monday, February 19, 3:30-5:30 pm - Kirkwood YMCA
  • Tuesday, February 20, 3:30-5:30 pm - Carondelet Park Rec Complex
  • Wednesday, February 21, 9-11 am - Emerson YMCA
  • Wednesday, February 21, 1-3 pm - O'Fallon Park Rec Complex
  • Thursday, February 22, 9-11 am - South City YMCA
  • Thursday, February 22, 3:30-5:30 pm - Bayer YMCA
  • Saturday, February 24, 9-11 am - Edward Jones YMCA
  • Saturday, February 24, 1-3 pm - O'Fallon Missouri YMCA
table at the ymca with voter registration information
voter registration at emerson ymca
carondelet park rec complex voter registration

 

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Global CoLabs

Mayor's Youth Council

World Council of YMCAs


 

STEP INTO SUCCESS AT TEEN CAMPS!

Track A: Visionary Arts Camp

Explore your creativity through theater, music, dance, podcasting, visual arts, public speaking, and speech and debate. This camp provides a supportive and inspiring environment for campers to develop their artistic talents and express themselves through various mediums.

Track B: MINDful Innovations Camp

Dive into the world of STEAM programming, medical careers, physical education, ESports, lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid. Campers will gain hands-on experience in various fitness and healthcare fields, preparing them for future opportunities in those areas.

June 17-21, June 24-28, July 8-12, and July 15-19 | St. Louis Community College - Florissant Valley

REGISTER NOW

 

 

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.

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.

2024 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 and start in the fall.

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​

World Council of YMCAs

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

"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.
Learn More

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