"Democracy must be learned by each generation."
Colorado Youth in Government is a statewide youth educational program involving more than 200 high school students in a three month "hands on" experience. Since its inception, the program has used a variety of activities to build, encourage, and strengthen those life assets and character traits that will help high school youth become involved responsible adults who are decent and respected citizens. The tool used is a high quality experiential and educational simulation based upon Colorado's state government. The program is very comprehensive, and its impact on the youth participants is dramatic. The core purpose of this highly regarded program is exemplified in the motto "Democracy Must Be Learned By Each Generation."
Youth in Government is the nation’s premier program for students seeking to learn more about the society they live in and will someday be the leaders of. It is also a great resource for parents who would like to give their kids a head start on developing important traits like social responsibility and lifetime learning.
The program is designed to give students the opportunity to participate directly in the major aspects of state government. Students can run for office to become elected youth officials, assess constitutionality as a justice or lawyer, debate legislation as a member of the Senate or House or work as a reporter with the print and broadcast media.
Participants will attend a pre-legislative session at the Aurora Municipal Center on Sunday, October 28th where they will elect youth officials and attend several professional seminars about bill writing, parliamentary procedure and further opportunities for youth in today’s politics.
The program reaches its peak in Denver at the State Capitol with the convening of the three day Model Legislature and Court in November. There, "real" government moves over and the teen delegates "take over," using the historic halls, chambers, and offices of our State Capitol.
The program is open to all interested Colorado high school students whether or not they are members of the YMCA. The sponsoring organizations, usually (but not exclusively) community YMCAs, form one or more delegations by recruiting teenagers at high schools or through teen outreach programs. In some cases, delegations are sponsored directly by schools or other organizations in order for the program to provide opportunities to all interested high school youth at any location in the State.
Join us this year as the Colorado Youth in Government program embarks on an exciting mission to transform Colorado high school students into future young leaders.
Ready to register for the Program? Click Here to Register!!!
Want to learn more? Click Here to learn more about Program Areas.
