Discover Leadership. Debate Big Ideas. Make a Difference.
What if your child could represent a country at the United Nations, debate important issues with students from across the region, and even help pass legislation in a student-run government?
The YMCA's Youth Civic Engagement (YCE) program gives students in grades 6-12 the opportunity to build leadership, public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork skills while learning how they can make a difference in their communities and beyond.
The program consists of two parts: Model United Nations (Fall - January) and Youth and Government (January - April)
Students can sign up for one of both programs depending on their interest. Join YCE today by filling out our registration form!
Our Youth Civic Engagement Programs
Model United Nations
Model United Nations
Students join a local YMCA delegation and spend the fall learning about global issues, diplomacy, and the work of the United Nations. They'll research an assigned country, complete a government research project, collaborate with fellow delegates, and practice debate before attending an exciting three-day conference in Hershey, PA.
Program Timeline
Fall - January
Conference Dates
- High School MUN: January 8-10, 2027
- Middle School MUN: January 15-17, 2027
Youth and Government
After Model UN, students can continue their experience by participating in Youth & Government, where they'll write bills, debate current issues, advocate for change, and experience a student-led state government. The program culminates with a conference in Harrisburg in April, where delegates work together to debate and pass legislation.
Whether your child dreams of becoming a lawyer, teacher, elected official, or simply wants to become a more confident leader, Youth Civic Engagement provides valuable skills that last a lifetime.
Program Timeline
January - April
Conference Dates
April 15-18, 2027
Program Locations
Youth Civic Engagement (YCE) programs begin in Fall and are held weekly at your local YMCA. View all program dates and locations below to register your teen today.
Address:
1325 McKean Road, Ambler, PA 19002
Meeting Time:
Mondays from 5:00 - 6:30 PM (Starting September 21, 2026)
Spots are limited, so don't wait to register! Give your student the opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover the power of civic engagement.
Address:
301 West Spring Street, Boyertown, PA 19512
Meeting Time:
Bi-weekly on Wednesdays from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Starting September 2, 2026)
In January meetings become weekly until the end of the program.
*This location only offers Youth and Government
Address:
1724 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Meeting Time:
Wednesdays from 6:15 PM - 7:30 PM (Starting September 23, 2026)
Spots are limited, so don't wait to register! Give your student the opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover the power of civic engagement.
Address:
1400 N. Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Meeting Time:
Thursdays from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM (Starting October 1, 2026)
Spots are limited, so don't wait to register! Give your student the opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover the power of civic engagement.
Address:
891 N. Eagle Road, Havertown, PA 19083
Meeting Time:
Mondays from 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM (Starting September 21, 2026)
Spots are limited, so don't wait to register! Give your student the opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover the power of civic engagement.
Address:
59 Centerton Road, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
Meeting Time:
Thursdays from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM (Starting September 24, 2026)
Spots are limited, so don't wait to register! Give your student the opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover the power of civic engagement.
Address:
11088 Knights Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154
Meeting Time:
Tuesdays from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM (Starting September 29, 2026)
Spots are limited, so don't wait to register! Give your student the opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover the power of civic engagement.
Address:
1299 West Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063
Meeting Time:
Tuesdays from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM (Starting September 22, 2026)
Spots are limited, so don't wait to register! Give your student the opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover the power of civic engagement.
Address:
7201 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Meeting Time:
Thursdays from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (Starting September 24, 2026)
Spots are limited, so don't wait to register! Give your student the opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover the power of civic engagement.
Address:
19 W. Linfield-Trappe Road, Royersford, PA 19468
Meeting Time:
Tuesdays from 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM (Starts September 22, 2026)
Spots are limited, so don't wait to register! Give your student the opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover the power of civic engagement.
Address:
5120 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139
Meeting Time:
Tuesdays from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (Starting October 6, 2026)
Spots are limited, so don't wait to register! Give your student the opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover the power of civic engagement.
Address:
3300 Davisville Road, Hatboro, PA 19040
Meeting Time:
Mondays from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (Starting September 28, 2026)
Spots are limited, so don't wait to register! Give your student the opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover the power of civic engagement.
School Partners
The Y is proud to partner with the following schools to offer civic engagement programming for their students.
Address:
500 Rices Mill Rd, Wyncote, PA 19095
Address:
1717 W Allegheny Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132
Address:
549 Cooper St, Camden, NJ 08102
Address:
5700 Wayne Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Address:
1400 W Olney Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19141
Address:
750 N Washington St, Pottstown, PA 19464
Address:
600 N Franklin St, Pottstown, PA 19464
Address:
430 Washington Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Address:
3301 Tasker St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Address:
5401 Tabor Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19120
Address:
801 S. 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Address:
5700 Willows Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Please email our team for an application.
Click on the locations above to find the meeting times.