YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Youth and Government in Action
Months of research, debate, and preparation paid off this spring as students from the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Youth and Government program made their mark at the Illinois State Capitol. Their success highlighted the impact of a program that empowers young people to engage directly with the democratic process.
YMCA Youth and Government is a six-month mock government program for high school students that gives participants real-life experience in the roles of Illinois government — from legislators and lobbyists to attorneys and clerks. Students spend months researching, drafting, debating, and defending their ideas, and the program culminates in a three-day Youth Legislative Session at the Illinois State Capitol and Supreme Court Building in Springfield, Illinois. This year, students participated in both the legislative and judicial tracks, further demonstrating how Youth and Government equips young people to become confident and informed civic leaders.
The youth legislators proved they were ready to lead by bringing forward four thoughtfully crafted bills. Students navigated committee hearings, debate, and floor votes to advance proposals such as considering provisional licenses for mental health program graduates, assessing revenue to prevent cuts to state Medicaid, and requiring local boards of elections to provide voter registration in schools. Their efforts paid off when three bills were signed into law by the Youth Governor, while a fourth measure creating an emotional support animal designation on Illinois driver's licenses earned approval in the Youth Senate.
YMCA of Metro Chicago youth lobbyists took on the challenge of influencing policy, advocating for issues ranging from early childhood education to data center regulation. Their role was to support legislators whose bills aligned with their agendas while working to defeat measures they opposed. Through committee testimony, witness slips, and conversations with legislators, students earned points for their advocacy efforts. First-year participant Brayden G. stood out from the crowd, amassing an impressive 280 points and demonstrating exceptional dedication throughout the session!
On the program's judicial track, four students, many of them first-time participants, delivered oral arguments before a Youth Court of Appeals in the Illinois Supreme Court Building. Despite their limited experience, they performed exceptionally well, earning above-average scores across the board and demonstrating strong analytical, research, and public speaking skills.
Those achievements were the culmination of six months of preparation. Through weekly meetings, YMCA of Metro Chicago participants drafted legislation and bench memos, refined policy positions, and prepared testimony and oral arguments. Along the way, they developed the confidence and critical thinking skills needed to successfully advocate for their ideas down in Springfield.
Students also took part in a variety of enrichment opportunities throughout the year! Through the program's Policy Tasting event, they heard from professional lobbyists representing a range of industries and causes, helping them better understand the policymaking process and develop their own legislative priorities. Additional experiences included touring Chicago City Hall, participating in multiple Pre-Legislative Sessions, and interviewing practicing lobbyists to sharpen their advocacy and presentation skills. The students also enjoyed a Chicago Blackhawks game together, strengthening connections with their peers outside the classroom!
What makes the YMCA of Metro Chicago's Youth and Government program so powerful isn't just the skills it builds, but also how the program empowers young people to become confident leaders, informed citizens, and active participants in shaping their communities. To get involved in this program, visit YMCA Youth & Government to learn more, or support this program by donating to the YMCA to help empower our next generation of leaders.