The Youth & Government program in Texas started in the YMCA in 1946. Through the program, generations of teens from across the state have learned about the political system and how they could make a difference, learned how to present and stand up for their ideas, and used their experience to pursue careers as public officials, journalists, attorneys, etc. Youth & Government became a national YMCA program. Although not all Y’s offer it in their communities, thousands of high school students join the program each year to learn more about and experience the governmental process.

In Midland, the Youth & Government program is open to students who are ages 15-18 and the program begins in September. The year begins with the program coordinator working with the students to outline trainings and competitions and establishing with them an after school meeting schedule. As the year progresses, students compete on regional and district levels. The students who win their division at district competition qualify to attend and compete at the state conference. The other students are not precluded from attending the conference. For example, during the mock trials students who are not competing serve as witnesses in the trials. The experiences the students gain in Austin offer valuable lessons and we want all the students to feel as though they can attend and gain from the opportunity.

This year’s delegation attended the state conference in Austin from February 3 - 6, 2005. The delegation consisted of students from the various high schools throughout Midland and each competed in one of many individual and team events. Three students brought home outstanding delegate awards and will be eligible to attend the National conference during the summer. Juniors Jennifer Dietderich and Katelynn Lacy brought home honors in the Trial Court division and freshman Chad Chalker was honored in Broadcast Media. This year’s delegation wishes to give special thanks to those individuals and organizations that’ve made their experience possible during this past year including Ted Kerr, Drew Anderson, Sid Smith, Mike Cunningham, Knights of Columbus, Trinity United Episcopal Church, CBS Channel 7 News and Kinder Morgan Foundation.

Youth & Government is a terrific example of a program that positively influences today’s teens in our democratic society. It gives students meaningful opportunities to debate current issues in a "mock" government in the manner it is actually conducted in "real life" by those who represent us statewide and nationwide. It also gives teens opportunities to develop and improve speaking skills and public presentation techniques. It is the desire of Midland YMCA staff to ensure that any teen who wants to participate in Youth & Government has the opportunity to join the program, learn from the dedicated program leadership and remain involved throughout the completion of the state convention.

Financial aid is available to qualifying students wishing to participate in the Youth & Government program. Applications are available at the Member Services Desk.