Teen Leadership Programs for Middle School and High School Students

California Youth and Government is a premier program empowering high school and middle school students to dive into politics and government. Through simulations and real-world problem-solving, Youth and Government hones critical skills, fostering future leaders committed to positive change in California and beyond. This is the ultimate opportunity to provide your teen with a transformative civic education experience. Below are the active program we are currently offering. 

MODEL LEGISLATURE & COURT (MLC) HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM – GRADES 9–12

The Model Legislature & Court (MLC) brings together more than 1,300 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.

MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN) | MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM – GRADES 6–8

Middle school students or "ambassadors" come together in delegations and participate in the program with peers from across California. They are given the opportunity to discuss international issues, discover other cultures, develop lifeenhancing skills, and make new friends. The three-month program includes two in-person events*, a 1-day training and the culminating 2-night Model United Nations Summit. There, delegates represent assigned countries as ambassadors and work to solve global issues with the skills they have acquired.

PARTICIPATING BRANCHES

Dan McKinney Family YMCA

MODEL LEGISLATURE & COURT (MLC) HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM – GRADES 9–12

Important Dates and Information:

• Parent Information Session: September 9 and 16 | Dan McKinney Family YCMA | 7pm-8pm — Contact us in the event you are interested and cannot attend an info session for program.
• Weekly Meetings: Starting September 23, 2024 | Mondays from 7pm-8pm
• MLC Conferences:
  • Training Conference 1: November 8-11, 2024, at Camp Roberts, San Miguel
  • Training Conference 2: January 25, 2025 | Virtual Program Area Workshop 
  • MLC Sacramento Conference: February 14-17, 2025, at Sacramento Conference Center, CA

For more information, please reach out to Hannah Lewis, [email protected] | 858-453-3483 ext 1832.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN) | MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM – GRADES 6–8

Important Dates and Information:

• Parent Information Session: February - TBD
• Weekly Meetings: TBD
• MUN Conferences:
  • Training Conference 1: March 2025, location TBD
  • MUN Summit: April 25-27, 2025, at Camp Pali Mountain, Running Springs, CA

For more information, please reach out to Hannah Lewis, [email protected] | 858-453-3483 ext 1832.

REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 2025

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE

Financial aid and scholarships are available to those who qualify. For more information, visit our Community Support page for more information.