Youth Civic Engagement
An immersive experience in global and state politics!
About Youth Civic Engagement
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)
- 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!
How students grow as leaders.
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
- Be introduced to global issues and cultures through hands on experience
- Serve as an ambassador and negotiate for their country’s priorities in a model UN
- Actively participate in the democratic process through drafting legislation, debate, and elections in a model state government
- Gain a deeper understanding of local and state-wide issues and how to solve them
Our Youth Civic Engagement Programs
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.
Spots are limited, so don't wait to register!
Ambler YMCA
1325 McKean Road, Ambler, PA 19002
Mondays from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (Starting September 21, 2026)
Boyertown YMCA
301 West Spring Street, Boyertown, PA 19512
Bi-weekly on Wednesdays from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (This site only offers Youth and Government)
Christian Street YMCA
1724 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Wednesdays from 6:15 PM - 7:30 PM (Starting September 23, 2026)
Columbia North YMCA
1400 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Thursdays from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM (Starting October 1, 2026)
Haverford Area YMCA
891 North Eagle Road, Havertown, PA 19083
Mondays from 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM (Starting September 21, 2026)
Mount Laurel YMCA
59 Centerton Road, Mount Laurel Township, NJ 08054
Thursdays from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM (Starting September 24, 2026)
School Partners
The Y is proud to partner with the following schools to offer civic engagement programming for their students.
How do i join?
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!
Are there scholarships or financial aid available?
Yes! Please email our team for an application.
When are the meetings for the program?
Click on the locations above to find the meeting times.