Teens Learning to Lead

Who We Are
Since 1936, YMCA Youth In Government, or “YIG” for short, has allowed students around the country to serve as part of a youth-run, youth-led model government process. The Florida YMCA Youth In Government program was founded in 1957, and for more than 59 years our delegates have been actively engaged with the issues that impact their families, schools, YMCAs, and communities.

Build Servant Leaders
At all levels, the YMCA Youth In Government program is designed to help high-school delegates understand that to lead, you must first learn how to serve others. This practice of servant leadership guides our program.

Prepare Engaged Citizens
Our model government process is designed to prepare students for a life of engaged and active citizenship built on the values of civil debate, statesmanship, and research-based policy solutions.

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

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 the State Assembly in Tallahassee where they take over the capital, assuming the roles of legislators, senators, supreme court justices, lobbyists, the press corps and more!

To get involved, please email your centers contact to start your high-schoolers Youth in Government experience! See each centers contact information below.

Chapters and Contact Information
North Brandon Y:   Taylor.Corder@tampaymca.org 
South Tampa Y (meets Mondays 3pm-4pm):   Anne.Jeffrey@tampaymca.org
Bob Sierra Y (meets Mondays 5pm - 6pm):   Tiffani.Goff@tampaymca.org or Wildens.Cajuste@tampaymca.org