A Place to Grow, Connect & Make a Difference

While our Youth & Government program is pausing for the 2026–2027 school year, teens still have a place to learn, connect, and lead at the YMCA.

Our Teen Leadership Academy in Home Gardens is a free program that helps teens discover who they are, build confidence, make new friends, and develop skills that last a lifetime. Teens can participate in cooking, arts and crafts, creative art workshops, mental health and wellness workshops, and more.

The Academy also creates opportunities for teens to get involved in their community. Through visits to local government offices, teens can learn more about civic engagement and how their voices can make a difference. Community service opportunities, park cleanups, volunteer projects, and other activities give teens the chance to turn what they learn into action.

It’s more than a program, it’s a space to grow, connect, lead, and be part of something bigger.

Click to learn more about our Teen Leadership Academy

YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT

9th-12th Grade

Youth and Government, a national YMCA program, empowers students from every corner of the U.S. by giving them the opportunity to learn and experience government policies firsthand.

This program is made up of thousands of teens nationwide in state-organized, model-government programs. Participants immerse themselves in experiential civic engagement, debate issues that affect citizens in their state, and even propose legislation. The program culminates with teens serving as delegates at their state conference, debating bills on the floor of the legislature in Sacramento.

Building Up Tomorrow’s Leaders

Our in person delegation meetings include:

• Current Events
• Public speaking practice
• Debating
• Thought provoking discussion to help teens think about what they want to change or improve in their community
• Character Development and Values building

• Community Service

   

New Member Registration

Existing Member Registration