YMCA Teen Civic Programs
Model United Nations
YMCA Model United Nations (MUN) is a, often, 3-day conference-based program for middle and high school students (grades 6–12) that simulates the United Nations. Participants act as delegates, researching and debating global issues, passing resolutions, and practicing diplomacy to develop leadership, public speaking, and critical thinking skills.
National Judicial Competiton
The National Judicial Competition (NJC), run by the YMCA of the USA, is a nationwide competition for high school students in which delegations from across the country participate in either a Mock Trial or Appellate Court competition. Each year, NJ YMCA Youth & Government selects delegates who have served as either attorneys or justices to represent New Jersey at the national competition. Applications open in November for 2027!
Conference on National Affairs
The YMCA Conference On National Affairs (CONA), held at the beautiful YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in North Carolina, is a nationwide conference for high school students. At this conference, delegates from 30+ states debate issues of national and international concern. Each year, NJ YMCA Youth and Government sends a team of 25 delegates and 1 media delegate to CONA. In 2027, students will be selected through nomination and application process. Come back soon to learn more!
Y-USA National Youth Advocate Program
The Youth Advocate Program is a four-month civic engagement and advocacy training program that gives students the opportunity to share their Y story with policymakers in Washington, D.C. Youth Advocates will learn about the history and mission of the YMCA, what effective advocacy looks like, and how to illustrate the impact of the Y by sharing their Y story with Members of Congress.
Y-USA National Changemakers
High school students in all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico are invited to propose a YMCA Changemakers Project that addresses a critical issue or need in their communities. YMCA of the USA will select outstanding proposals from across the country to compete for funding to implement their projects. in 2026, FOUR teams from NJ were selected and two, Recycle my Battery and NJ 16 were awarded funding to enhance project sustainability! We are so proud of all of our 2026 ChangeMakers and look forward to next-years applications!
2027 NJ YMCA Trenton Advocacy Day
The New Jersey YMCA State Alliance holds Trenton Advocacy Day to connect local students with New Jersey legislators. The students who are part of the YMCA Youth and Government (YAG) program are able to ask questions, advocate for important issues and learn more about what it means to be a government representative. Stay tuned for the Youth Advocate Academy!
NJ YMCA Youth Advocacy Academy
The YMCA Youth Advocacy Academy is a statewide and federal advocacy training program for high school students in grades 9-12.Through a hybrid model (virtual and in-person sessions), participants will engage in individual and group exercises designed to provide them with skills and resources necessary to effectuate positive changes in their communities, New Jersey and the United States.
YMCA USA GOVCON
Y-USA GovCon, sponsored by MissionSquare, is an opportunity for YAG Youth Governors' elect to gather and learn from one another, build lasting friendships, gain valuable professional insight and skill readiness for leadership for all and participate in experiential service learning. GovCon is a unique opportunity for our elected Youth Governor and we were thrilled to support the 2026 incoming Youth Governor Cohort!