A delegation of students in business dress on a Capitol staircase
Your Local Y

Your Y is more than a conference.

Youth and Government is one of many ways teens grow at the YMCA. Find your nearest Y and see what else it offers.

Find your YTeen programs at the Y

Step one

Find your nearest YMCA

  1. Search by ZIP, city or state on the YMCA locator. It lists every Y near you, with programs and hours.
  2. Call or visit and ask for the teen or youth development director. Say you are interested in Youth and Government and other teen programs.
  3. Ask what they run for teens: leadership clubs, Achievers, camp leadership, service and jobs.
  4. No delegation at your Y or school yet? Ask the Y to start one. We help YMCAs get started, and we can talk with them for you.

Open the YMCA locator

Good to know

Ask about membership and cost

Programs, fees and membership rules differ from Y to Y, and many Ys offer financial assistance. Ask your Y how it works there.

Teen programs at the Y

More ways to grow

These are national YMCA programs. Not every Y runs every one, so ask what yours offers.

Leadership

Leaders Clubs

Leaders Clubs connect young people ages 12 to 18 with adult advisors to build leadership skills and a habit of service.

College and career

YMCA Achievers

Achievers programs help Black and Latino teens build a positive sense of self and pursue their education and career goals.

Camp leadership

Leader in Training and Counselor in Training

At Y camps, Leaders in Training (ages 13 to 15) work with younger campers, and older Counselors in Training get ready to apply as camp counselors.

Service

Global Service Learning

Service projects around the world that build cross-cultural understanding, leadership and a global perspective.

Civic engagement

Youth and Government

Model state government in the real Capitol. You are here.

Read more on YMCA of the USA's youth education and leadership page.

Keep going with Youth and Government

Already a delegate? Go further

Y-Corps and service learning

Year-round service that counts toward your service hours, plus the summer Y-Corps trip.

Youth Advocates Academy

Learn to advocate on real issues and meet with lawmakers.

National programs

CONA, the National Judicial Competition, the Youth Governors Conference, the Youth Advocate Program and Changemakers.

Alumni

Stay connected after you graduate.