HISTORY
Y Youth & Government is a nationwide program, active in nearly 40 states. Across the country almost 25,000 students attend state Youth & Government conferences each year with 3,300 adult volunteers and Y associates serving as advisors.
Led by the Y in Central Maryland, the Maryland Youth & Government program engages more than 230 high school students annually, giving them a hands-on experience in government leadership. Since 1945, our program has focused on training great servant leaders and providing an opportunity for young adults to make their voices heard.
MISSION
The Y Youth & Government mission is to develop teenagers into strong leaders and better citizens by being both knowledgeable and active in determining the future of our democracy.
GOALS & BENEFITS
- Become more aware of societal issues and solutions
- Gain confidence in and dedication to the democratic process
- Increase participatory leadership skills
- Increase communication skills
- Gain exposure to potential career options
- Join youth leaders from around the state to debate issues that are important to you
- Listen to fellow participants who have different life experiences
- Research public issues and become aware of local, state, national and international concerns
- Accept your civic responsibilities and your leadership role
- Let your voice be heard and get involved in the decision-making process
VOLUNTEERS
Youth & Government is a youth-led program, but it cannot function properly without the aid of adult volunteers. Volunteers serve as advisors who maintain administrative accountability and help develop, support and supervise a delegation of students. Volunteers also serve as adult program mentors who run the legislature, lobby, press, and courts program areas. Volunteers can be teachers, parents, college students, former Youth & Government participants, Y associates, or any adult who is passionate about promoting teen leadership.
To become a volunteer, contact the Maryland Y Youth & Government State Office at mdyandg@ymaryland.org and we will help you find (or start) a delegation in need of advisors.
SUPPORT OUR TEENS
Please consider supporting students in the Maryland Y Youth & Government program. Your donation helps to offset program costs so any student who wishes to participate may do so. Thank you.
Y FAMILY MEMBERSHIP INCLUDED
Families automatically receive a Y Family Membership with their Youth & Government enrollment. This includes full access to all 12 Y family centers in Central Maryland, Stay & Play, group exercise classes, youth sports, pools, the best exercise equipment, gymnasiums, family game rooms, rock walls, a wide range of family programming, volunteer opportunities, and more! The membership continues at no cost to you throughout the duration of your program participation.
CONTACT US
Maryland Y Youth & Government is a statewide program of the Maryland Coalition of Ys. The program is administered by the Y in Central Maryland. For questions about Maryland Y Youth & Government or if you would like to bring the program to your school, Y, or community organization, please contact us.
The Maryland Y Youth & Government State Office
303 W. Chesapeake Avenue, Baltimore MD, 21204
Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Email: mdyandg@ymaryland.org
Website: ymaryland.org/yandg