SOUTH MOUNTAIN YMCA • Maplewood, NJ

Youth & Government

Empowering the Next Generation of Civic Leaders

 Grades 6th-12th 

New Jersey's premier civic engagement and leadership experience for middle and high school students.

RSVP for Info Session
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The YMCA Youth & Government (YAG) program is New Jersey's premier civic engagement and leadership experience for middle and high school students. Through a dynamic, hands-on program, participants learn how state government works by researching public policy, writing legislation, debating current issues, and participating in a realistic model government conference held in the New Jersey.

More than a government simulation, YAG develops confident leaders who learn to think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate respectfully, and become active, informed citizens. Students gain firsthand experience with the legislative process while building friendships with peers from YMCAs across New Jersey.
WHY PARTICIPATE?

Find Your Voice. Lead the Future.
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Discover Your Voice

Participants leave with stronger leadership skills, greater confidence, and a deeper understanding of civic responsibility.
high fiving

Build Lasting Friendships

Collaborate with peers from YMCAs across New Jersey and build connections that last well beyond the conference.
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Prepare for Any Path

Ideal for future leaders in public service, law, education, business, healthcare, and beyond.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

No Experience Needed. 

Students of all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to participate. No previous knowledge of government or debate is required.

Middle School Students
GRADES 6–8

Participate as a Legislator, with the opportunity to shadow high schoolers in Judicial, Lobbyist, and Press Corps roles.

High School Students
GRADES 9–12

Full access to all four participation areas: Legislator, Judicial, Lobbyist, and Press Corps.
PARTICIPATION AREAS

Find Your Area 

*Judicial, Lobbyist, and Press Corps are exclusively for High School delegates. Interested Middle Schoolers may shadow high schoolers in these areas.
L

Legislator

j

Judicial*

L

Lobbyist*

P

Press Corps*

WHAT DELEGATES WILL DO

Experience Government.

> Research public policy issues affecting New Jersey

> Write and advocate for their own legislative bills

> Learn parliamentary procedure and the legislative process

> Present and debate legislation before their peers

> Collaborate with students from across New Jersey

> Develop leadership, public speaking, critical thinking, and advocacy skills

> Experience government firsthand through a three-day statewide conference in New Jersey

 

2026–2027 Program Timeline

Dates subject to confirmation where noted

ACTIVITY

Registration Opens

DATE

August 7, 2026

ACTIVITY

Information Session

DATE

October 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM

 

RSVP FOR INFO SESSION

ACTIVITY

Program Begins

DATE

November 16, 2026

ACTIVITY

Weekly Delegation Meetings

DATE

November 16, 2026 – April 2027

ACTIVITY

Pre-leg Conference (one day)

DATE

Saturday, early February (tentative)

ACTIVITY

YMCA Youth & Government State Conference

DATE

March or April 2027 (confirmed by Sept. 2026)

Information Session

Families and prospective delegates are encouraged to attend to learn more about Youth & Government, meet YMCA advisors, and hear about the conference experience.

DATE

Oct 26, 2026

TIME

7:00–8:00 PM

LOCATION

Virtual

COST

Free

RSVP NOWW
STATE CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE

Where Leaders Come Together.

The culmination of the program, bringing together hundreds of middle and high school students from YMCAs throughout New Jersey for a three-day statewide conference.

Debate legislation at a 3-day conference in a New Jersey conference center

Participate in committee hearings

Work alongside student legislative leaders, attorneys, judges, lobbyists, media, and executive officials

Collaborate with peers statewide while building leadership and civic engagement skills
LOCAL YMCA CONTACTS

Questions?
LEARN MORE

Ready to Get Involved?

Learn more about Youth & Government and how your student can join.

Visit NJYMCA.org

METRO YMCA OF THE ORANGES ACCREDITATIONS

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Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges

OUR MISSION: Strengthen community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Contact Us

304 S. Livingston Ave.
Livingston, NJ 07039

     

     

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