The Colorado YMCA’s Youth in Government Program gives students first-hand knowledge of how government works.

Every year, students learn about the state’s democratic system and how laws and government shape people’s lives. They explore all major aspects of state government, filling roles as politicians, lobbyists, attorneys and journalists.

Youth in Government is a three-month leadership program that lets you get involved and get ahead with: 

  • Real-life experience as a legislator, lobbyist, judge or journalist
  • Improve skills in public speaking, writing, law, and debate
  • Demonstrate initiative and leadership that the future will require -- and colleges will look for!

This program is ideal for students who are interested in:

  • Law
  • Journalism
  • Government
  • Any field that requires critical thinking and presentation skills including sales, marketing, engineering, technology and more 

Get involved! Financial assistance is available here.

Youth in Government

Youth in Government is a student-led, model-government program to teach Colorado middle and high school students how governance happens in the legislative, judiciary and executive branch of state government.

Since 1954, the Denver YMCA's Youth in Government (YIG) program has provided a learning opportunity like no other for middle and high school students to learn about our democratic system.

Conference on National Affairs (CONA)

The Conference on National Affairs is a national civic engagement program for high school students, hosted at the Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain North Carolina.

National Judicial Competition

The National Judicial Competition is a mix of trial and appellate competitions for high school students from across the country. Hosted by the YMCA Center for youth voice in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.