Youth and Government (YAG) provides students the opportunity to experience the democratic process and develop the leadership skills needed to become citizens of a participatory society.
Based on the motto "Democracy Must Be Learned By Each Generation," Youth and Government is a nationwide program that involves more than thousands of youth each year. See below for how the Gateway Region YMCA participates in and supports these programs locally, state-wide, nationally, and internationally.
YAG Registration Portal Schedule & Key Dates Resources & More
Contact Us to Learn More
Jacob Henderson
Director of Civic Engagement
jacob.henderson@gwrymca.org
(314) 421-8910
Browse Our YAG Programs
LOCAL
Each year, our school-based program, YMCA Local Youth and Government, provides students, grades 9-12, the opportunity to experience the democratic process and develop the leadership skills needed to become citizens of a participatory society. Youth connect directly with local officials around issues impacting them and their communities.
| Back to Basics |
Missouri YMCA YAG is a student-driven simulation of state government, which involves 1,100 MO youth in grades 8-12. Beginning in the fall of each year, students come together in their local delegations to choose their roles, register, and prepare for State Conference. At the State Conference, all participants in Missouri come together for a 3-day event at the State Capitol. |
STATE
| Missouri YAG |
Missouri YMCA YAG is a student-driven simulation of state government, which involves 1,100 MO youth in grades 8-12. Beginning in the fall of each year, students come together in their local delegations to choose their roles, register, and prepare for State Conference. At the State Conference, all participants in Missouri come together for a 3-day event at the State Capitol. |
| Illinois YAG |
Illinois YMCA YAG is a leadership development program for high school students where participants immerse themselves in all aspects of IL government by assuming roles of legislators, attorneys, executive officials, lobbyists, press members, and more. IL YAG is for grades 9-12 each year. IL YAG holds two conventions, with pre-conventions happening in December, November, and February, and an assembly in March. |
NATIONAL
| Conference on National Affairs (CONA) |
The YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs (CONA) is a competitive program that was started in 1968 as a follow-up to the outstanding state's Youth in Government programs conducted by the YMCA throughout the U.S. |
| Changemakers |
High school students in all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico get invited to submit a YMCA Changemakers Project that addresses a critical issue or need in their communities. YMCA of the USA selects outstanding proposals from across the country to compete for funding to implement their projects. |
| Youth Advocacy Program (YAP) |
YAP is a four-month civic engagement and advocacy training program that gives students the opportunity to share their Y story with policymakers in Washington, D.C. Youth Advocates will learn about the history and mission of the YMCA, what effective advocacy looks like, and how to illustrate the impact of the Y by sharing their Y story with Members of Congress. Set program dates are March 1. |
INTERNATIONAL
The Gateway Region YMCA also works with international teens and students. We regularly host exchange trips for teens with our international partner YMCAs. Check our webpage or talk to someone at your local Y branch to learn more about how you can get involved.
Learn More World Council of YMCAs UN Sustainable Development Goals
Balancing the Scales
At the Y, we believe in empowering young voices. 🌟 YAG gives teens the chance to:
• EDUCATE
• EMPOWER
• INSPIRE
• IMPACT
Resources & More to Explore
Thank you to the League of Women Voters for their continued support in offering voter registration and resources in our communities!
Delegation Resources for Judicial & Legislative
General Units and Lesson Plans
- National Archives Educator Resources: Legislative Branch
- C-Span Classroom: Legislative Branch
- CivicsRenewalNetwork.org
- iCivics: Legislative Branch
- Vote Smart
Sites to Look Up Current and Pending Legislation
Helpful Videos
Judicial Resources
General Units and Lesson Plans
- Street Law Moot Court Classroom Guide
- iCivics (Judicial Branch and Constituion Units)
- US Courts Educational Activities
- PBS Civics and Government
- The National Constitution Center
- C-Span Classroom: Judicial Branch
Sites to Look Up Court Precedent
Meet Our 2025-2026 YAG Executive Board
Presiding Officers:
Sophia M. (Mayor), M'Kenzie-Skye M. (Executive Secretary), Elyse R., Hank F., Kingston J., Naomi A., and Jade R.
Committee Chairs:
Manyaleh S., Makiya M., Brandon R., and Rondre P.
Youth & Government 2025–2026 Program Year
| Aug 22 | Registration Opens; Financial Assistance Applications Open |
| Sep 19 | Student Registration Closes; Financial Assistance Applications Due; Program Leadership Applications Due; Candidate Filing Opens |
| Oct 10 | Program Fee Due; Legislative Bills Due (11:59 p.m.); Candidate Filing Closes (11:59 p.m.); Student Safety Forms Due; Advisor Registration Closes |
| Nov 13–15 | November State Conference (Jefferson City – Lewis) |
| Dec 4–6 | December State Conference (Jefferson City – Clark) |
| Aug 22 | Gateway Region Registration Opens Students complete Gateway Region YMCA Portal Form (School & Branch Delegations) Families enroll through Daxko & submit program fees (Branch Delegations) Delegation Registration (DUE ASAP) |
| Aug 22 | State Registration & Financial Assistance Opens – moyag.org Advisors complete State Adult Registration Form & Students complete State Student Registration Form |
| Sep 19 | YAG Night Registration Due |
| Sep 26 | YAG Night Field Trip Bus Permission Slips Due |
| Sep 19 | Student Registration Closes; Financial Assistance Applications Due; Program Leadership Applications Due; Candidate Filing Opens Students submit Code of Conduct & Medical Forms (1 copy local, 1 copy state) to Advisor → sent to Director of Civic Engagement |
| Oct 2 | YAG Night @ O’Fallon Park Rec Complex Capital Dress Distribution • Legislative & Judicial Workshops • Catered Dinner Transportation available (for Community Development-supported delegations) |
| 2nd week | Parents complete Gateway Region YMCA Scholarship Application |
| — | Students must pay all remaining balances before travel |
| Oct 10 | Program Fee Due; Bills Due (11:59 p.m.); Candidate Filing Closes (11:59 p.m.); Student Safety Forms Due; Advisor Registration Closes |
| Oct 17 | All permission slips scanned & sent to Director of Civic Engagement (for both conferences) |
| Nov 13–15 | November State Conference (Jefferson City – Lewis) |
| Nov 17 | Program Survey Due (students) |
| Nov 17 | Advisor Adult Survey Due |
| Dec 4–6 | December State Conference (Jefferson City – Clark) |
| Dec 8 | Program Survey Due (students) |
| Dec 8 | Advisor Adult Survey Due |
| Begin early September (virtual or in-person) • Must follow Rule of 3 (Advisor, Teen Leaders, Participants) • Recording virtual meetings encouraged • Led by teens/returning delegates |
| Weekly, 1–2 hrs • Start on time, fully prepared • Every teen presents a bill/argument • Encourage constructive peer feedback |
| Scheduled the week before or during travel to State Conference • May be virtual or in-person |
One of my students mentioned how this program has completely changed his outlook on other people's perspectives. He said he has become much more open-minded to different viewpoints and looks forward to continued growth in this area.
— Youth and Government Teacher
Stay Involved with the Y
Explore other related YMCA programs.
Teen Leaders
Leaders Club is a program for ages 13-18 that provides opportunities for personal and professional development.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering at the Y is an opportunity for older youth and teens, ages 14-17, to develop leadership and job skills.
STEAM Programs
In STEAM programs, youth are engaged in activities that nurture their curiosity, inspire creativity, and cultivate the engineering mindset through real world learning.
Mental Health Resources
We aim to remove the stigma around mental illness and encourage regular conversation about mental wellness.