The Youth & Government program begins in September when 2,300+ young people and 250 volunteers at approximately 90 locations throughout the state meet as individual delegations to discuss issues facing California.

During a nine-month period, the teen delegates write bills, select governmental positions to role-play, attend statewide training conferences, and run for various
elected offices. The program reaches its peak in Sacramento at the State Capitol with the convening of the five-day Model Legislature and Court each February. There, “real” government moves over and the teen delegates “take over,” using the historic halls,
chambers, and offices of our State Capitol, Supreme Court, and Governor’s Office.

However, the program is by no means a government boot camp. A key focus of Youth and Government is the
building of friendships among its participants. During free time at conferences (which can consist of dances, games or just relaxing) relationships are built that last a lifetime. It is extremely common for participants to refer to their “Youth and Government buddies” as the best friends they ever had.

The key here is that Youth and Government uses the tool of a Model Legislature and Court session to provide its participants with the life skills that they will use even if they decide to pursue a professional career outside of government.