Since 1957, Florida YMCA Youth In Government has provided young leaders the opportunity to strengthen their values, make their voices heard and their passions known. Through our Youth In Government (YIG) program, middle and high school students build leadership skills, gain self-confidence and discover how our government operates.
Students learn debate techniques and earn community service hours, scholarship opportunities and college credit. Senior YIG students will have the opportunity to enjoy an experience to remember at State Assembly in Tallahassee where they take over the capitol, assuming the roles of legislators, senators, supreme court justices, lobbyists, the press corps and more!
Youth In Government program goals include:
- Awareness of societal issues and solutions
- Confidence in and dedication to the democratic process
- Increased participative leadership skills
- Increased communication skills
- Respect for diverse viewpoints
- Accountability and respect for the rights of others
- Application of moral and ethical values processes to public policy making
- Enriching the formal education process with reality based learning experiences
- Career exposure for youth