For over 75 years, California YMCA Youth & Government has provided high school youth throughout California an experiential learning program by modeling California’s legislature and courts. The program offers teen youth participants from around the state the opportunity to collaborate with others, make new friends, and build skills such as critical thinking, persuasive public speaking, writing and research. Youth & Government is rooted in the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility and is a platform for social responsibility, servant leadership and personal development. We strive to offer a program where everyone feels a sense of belonging and that we help to support the spirit, mind and body of every individual.

Our goal is to nurture the next generation of civically engaged Californians so that they recognize the importance of:
• Civic Knowledge: They understand the structure, function, and procedures of the California Legislature, including bill development.
• Civic Awareness: They can identify the major issues facing their communities.
• Civic Action: They are equipped with the tools they’ll need to make change in their community and can identify the importance of mutual respect, personal responsibility, and active listening in group settings.

Through our program students will be able to obtain community services hours toward their High School requirements.

YMCA of Silicon Valley has partnered with Asian American Community Involvement (AACI) in their Friday Night Live (FNL) Council work. The Y is now taking applications for the Fall semester FNL Council in support of the AACI YTI work and we would love your teen to apply.

This teen leadership group will provide an inclusive space for youth from all backgrounds to develop leadership skills and provide a youth voice to our community. Teens will have the opportunity to collaborate and create events pertaining to issues which affect Santa Clara County while gaining and utilizing skills such as civic engagement, persuasive speaking, and project planning. The Council will also work together to develop materials such as public service announcements and podcasts regarding the needs.

The Youth Technology Incubator Leadership Council provides a space for youth to develop leadership skills and provide youth a voice for their local community. Teens will have the opportunity to collaborate and provide input to Santa Clara County when making decisions concerning the surrounding community. The YTI Leadership Council works together to develop materials for and deliver multiple public service announcements combating substance abuse and supporting teen mental health. The program provides the necessary tools to gain and utilize skills such as civic engagement, persuasive speaking, and project planning.

In our Model United Nations program (MUN), middle school students learn about current affairs, politics, economics and diplomacy through weekly meetings. The MUN program is part of our California Y Youth & Government program, which began in 2001 and is the largest in the nation.

If you have a child who’s interested in the political process and wants to learn more about international relations, diplomacy, and critical thinking, our MUN program is an ideal extracurricular activity for them.
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High School Sophomores through Seniors will join YMCA leaders for an engaging week-long college tour trip! Every year we alternate from visiting schools in Washington State, Oregon, Northern California and Southern California. Gain valuable insights into academic programs, campus facilities, and student life and see attractions along the way. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore your future college options and make informed decisions. Reserve your spot now and let us be your guide on this memorable exploration!

The Y's Leader in Training (LIT) program is an excellent opportunity for teens to get hands-on job experience and responsibilities, while still under the supervision of our camp staff team. In this training, your teen will be part of developing the idea of what a leader does and how a leader acts. There will be specific training on camp leadership skills, working with 4-11 year olds, camp songs, games, and crafts. All participants will get CPR and First AID Certified and all hours completed within our LIT program can be recorded as community service hours.

Our Teen Workshops are a great opportunity for 12-18 year olds to learn more about a wide variety of topics that interest them. Broaden your horizons and develop your skills by joining a technology workshop or enhance your well-being participating in a health & wellness class. These workshops are made possible with the support of partner organizations and business owners dedicated to teen development.

Money Smarts Academy is an engaging and interactive financial literacy program designed for youth aged 12-18. The program equips participants with essential money management skills to build financial confidence and independence. Through hands-on activities, real-world simulations, and expert guidance, students will explore topics such as basic banking, budgeting, saving, investing, credit management, and responsible spending.

Calling teens in 10th-12th grade... Volunteer to be a YMCA Camp Campbell's Outdoor Science School cabin leader! Join our team of mentors, guiding youth through educational activities, classic camp bonding experiences, and nature-inspired learning opportunities. Enhance your leadership skills, earn Service Learning credit to graduate, and impact children’s lives in a positive and effective way.

Cabin Leaders spend 5 days in the redwoods (typically Monday-Friday) helping make outdoor school a positive and safe environment for students. Cabin Leaders receive a full day of training before students arrive. In training you will learn behavior management, child abuse prevention, appropriate games to play and stories to tell, and much more. To be a cabin leader you must be at least 15 years old, in 10th grade or greater, and in good academic standing.

Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively affects the lives of the people in your community. Working at the Y, you'll discover more than a job - you’ll enjoy a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

In more than 10,000 communities nationwide, our staff members of all ages and from diverse backgrounds and life experiences enjoy the personal satisfaction that comes from nurturing the potential of youth and teens, improving the nation's health and well-being and providing support to our neighbors.