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.
2026 Conference
Conference info coming soon!
Youth and Government
Sign up today for the only student-run, student-led model government experience of its kind. 600+ students across Pennsylvania, and 400+ across New Jersey, participate in this program each year where they gain real-world experiences in civic engagement, advocacy, and social justice.
The Pennsylvania & New Jersey Youth and Government programs are open to students in grades 6-12, with weekly meetings focused on creating positive change in communities, bill writing, and debate.
The PA YAG & NJ YAG programs each culminate with a conference in April where students will debate bills, and work with other delegates to pass bills through the student-led senate and assembly.
2025 Conference
PA Conference: April 24 - 27, 2025 in Harrisburg, PA
NJ Conference: April 25 - 27, 2025 in East Brunswick, NJ
Program Locations
Address:
301 West Spring Street, Boyertown, PA 19512
Meeting Time:
Wednesdays from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Address:
3201 Federal Street, Camden, NJ 08105 (LUCY Outreach Community Center)
Meeting Time:
Tuesdays from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Address:
1724 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Meeting Time:
Thursdays from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Address:
1400 N. Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Meeting Time:
Wednesdays from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Address:
891 N. Eagle Road, Havertown, PA 19083
Meeting Time:
Mondays from 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Address:
59 Centerton Road, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
Meeting Time:
Thursdays from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Address:
7201 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Meeting Time:
Tuesdays from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Address:
19 W. Linfield-Trappe Road, Royersford, PA 19468
Meeting Time:
Tuesdays from 6:15 PM - 7:15 PM
Address:
5120 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139
Meeting Time:
Tuesdays from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM