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The Youth in Government program helps to create the next generation of good
citizens. Through our programs, we demystify local, state and national governmental
systems so tomorrow's adults will know how to effect change within these systems.
We expand horizons so young people will understand their role within
a global society.
Participate in:
- Model Legislature and Court Conference for high school students - More than 1,000
students from 45 schools participate in this three-day conference at the statehouse
in Columbia. Student legislators write and debate bills; attorneys try and appeal
cases; reporters publish a newspaper and create a nightly newscast. This experience
provides an intensive, hands-on learning project into the mechanisms and subtleties
of the state government process.
- Middle School Model United Nations - a year-round classroom project culminating
in a two-day field trip where students create a Model United Nations. Students
work in groups to study a specific country, which they represent at the conference.
Students write and debate proposals, create a display booth from their country,
and dress in native attire.
- Horizons Values Conference for high school students - Young people from South
Carolina spend a weekend discussing the challenges facing teens today. Good, positive values
are promoted as the answer to these challenges.
- CONA (Youth Conference on National Affairs): The national Youth in Government
conference - where students from across the nation spend a week discussing and
debating national and international issues.
- Volunteer and Service Learning Opportunities - Through collaborations with YMCA
outreach programs, Youth in Government students have opportunities to participate
in meaningful short-term and ongoing service projects ranging from tutoring at-risk
elementary school students to planting and maintaining community gardens. These
opportunities are available year-round for students across the state.
The Youth in Government program uses the service-learning model in the firm belief that leadership is developed by doing. High
school students help provide leadership for our middle school programs, while
college students - alumni of the Youth in Government program - provide leadership
for our high school programming. All programs are guided and directed by committed
adult volunteers and YMCA professional staff.
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