Imagine students confidently debating policies impacting their neighborhoods, crafting legislation for social change, and running for mock office. This is the experience and real-world impact students have participating in the YMCA’s Youth Civic Engagement program. Designed to foster character building and social-emotional learning, YCE empowers youth through immersive experiences, transforming their own lives while inspiring and paving the way for future generations.
As part of the Youth Civic Engagement program students will:
- Learn about systems of government
- Engage with local elected leaders
- Advocate for positive changes in their community
- Participate in Model United Nations
- Introduce students to global issues and cultures through hands on experience
- Students serve as an ambassador and negotiate for their country’s priorities in a model UN
- Participate in Youth & Government
- Students actively participate in the democratic process through drafting legislation, debate, and elections
- Gain a deeper understanding of local and state-wide issues and how to solve them
Included Programs
Model United Nations
Model United Nations
The Model UN program begins at a local YMCA or school. Students join a delegation and start learning about the inner workings of the United Nations, international affairs, and world cultures. Delegates learn how to draft proposals, resolve conflicts, and respectfully debate. This program culminates in a three-day MUN Conference in Hershey, PA, at the beginning of January each year. Students represent their assigned countries and participate in committee discussions, resolution-building, and public speaking activities.
Programming begins in the Fall at the start of each school year. Students can join their school sponsored club or participate through a local YMCA. Each delegation (club) spends the several months leading up to the conference learning about the role the UN plays on the world stage. Delegates will research and write a proposition paper based on the political policies of their assigned country. When all delegates arrive at the conference, they collaborate with their countries allies to create a new resolution in the hopes of it passing through committee.
2025 Conference
January 10 - 12, 2025 at the Hotel Hershey (middle school) & Hershey Lodge (high school).
Youth and Government
Pennsylvania Youth and Government is the only student-run, student-led model government experience of its kind in Pennsylvania. Serving 600+ students across the Commonwealth, our student leaders become active participants in the legislative, judicial, and executive processes in Pennsylvania.
Students will act as Representatives or Senators, and will write bills, debate, and pass legislation to be signed by the Youth Governor. This program is open to students from 7 - 12 grade.
The PA YAG program begins in February with weekly meetings focused on writing legislation, and culminates with a conference held in Harrisburg, PA in April. Students will work together with other delegates and advisors to create bills which they will debate on during the final conference. The goal is to pass bills through the House or Senate chambers and eventually be signed by the Youth Governor.
2025 Conference
April 24 - 27, 2025 in Harrisburg, PA.
Program Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
Most students participate through their school or YMCA Model UN Club. If your school doesn’t have a club, email our team to find out how to start one!
Yes! Please email our team for an application.
Ambler YMCA
Date: Monday
Time: 6:30 - 8 PM
Space: Multi-B
Christian Street YMCA
Date: Thursday
Time: 6 - 7:30 PM
Space: Annex
Columbia North YMCA
Date: Wednesday
Time: 6 - 7:30 PM
Space: Classroom
Spring Valley YMCA
Date: Thursday
Time: 7 - 8 PM
Space: Classroom
Roxborough YMCA
Date: Tuesday
Time: 5 - 6:30 PM
Space: Conference Room
West Philadelphia YMCA
Date: Tuesday
Time: 6 - 7:30 PM
Space: Class B/Family Room