California YMCA Youth & Government Information

Our communities, our nation, and our planet face challenges that will require committed leadership to solve. California YMCA Youth & Government seeks to inspire young people to become those committed leaders and to provide them with the tools they will need to become leaders of change. For 70 years, California YMCA Youth & Government has provided middle and high school youth throughout the state and Greater Sacramento area, the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of issues affecting their communities, our state, nation, and the world. “We strive to develop critical thinking and public speaking skills that allow our students to articulate and act upon their beliefs by providing them a platform for service learning, social responsibility, and personal development. Our programs develop engaged citizens who are inspired to affect positive change in their schools, as well as the communities in which they live,“ says Debbie Gabelich, CEO. Each year, California YMCA Youth & Government provides over 4,500 youth a platform to find their voices and learn how to use them to foster positive change now, and as they transition into college and beyond. *California YMCA Youth & Government is in its 69th Program Year. *For close to 70 years, California YMCA Youth & Government has served over 100,000 youth participants. *California YMCA Youth & Government awarded $130,000 in scholarships to student delegates. *Served more than 3,300 high school students in the 69th Model Legislature & Court program. *Served over 800 middle school participants in the 16th Model United Nations program. *Provided over 200 adults the opportunity to serve as volunteer staff. *California YMCA Youth & Government was honored by the White House in 2013 as a CHAMPION OF CHANGE because of the program’s successful work in youth development.