After two years of offering a virtual experience, the YMCA of the Triangle hosted the 31st North Carolina YMCA Youth & Government Conference in person from February 16 – 19 in downtown Raleigh. More than 700 teens, advisors and volunteers gathered for the mock state government experience. Teens across the state took on roles including politicians, attorneys, judges or members of the media. Throughout the weekend, teens developed critical thinking and social skills that are needed to become strong leaders of unified communities. They gained confidence through opportunities to publicly speak, respectfully debate with teens of various backgrounds, and learn the importance of voting.
A special thank you goes out to William Peace University. This year they provided faculty-led immersive learning workshops that included a variety of unique educational opportunities in topics such as improvisation, leadership and tips for successfully applying to college.
Get Involved
Teen Racial Equity Council
Established this year, our Teen Racial Equity Council is an advisory council for Youth and Government. Teens serve on this council to strengthen their knowledge and eliminate racial disparities to ensure equitable programming.
Join A Delegation
Teens can get involved with Youth and Government by joining their high school delegation or starting a delegation of their own. Delegations are primarily hosted in schools across the state. For more information, contact State Director Amber McClure.
Thank you to each of you who have already joined our movement! Through our scholarship sponsors and partnership with local vendors, we ensured that our teens had an experience of a lifetime!
Support Youth & Government
In a world that is divisive and politically polarizing, the YMCA of the Triangle is preparing tomorrow’s civic leaders to respectfully collaborate in powerful solutions-focused conversations aimed at strengthening our communities. We hope you support our movement by volunteering or making a gift to the YMCA of the Triangle.
Youth and Government has been North Carolina’s premier leadership program for over 30 years. The year-round, youth-led civics program is an immersive learning experience that empowers students to use their voices to debate and collaborate.
Want a look at this year's conference? View videos created by our Media Broadcast Team.
Hear our 2023 Podcast, Gov on Gov.
Follow us on Instagram or join our LinkedIn Alumni Group.
