Students step into the state Capitol for YMCA Texas Youth and Government Conference

More than 1,200 Texas high school students will participate in a mock legislative session at the state Capitol today through Sunday, with role-playing of drafting and debating bills; mock trials with student attorneys, witnesses and jurors; and participants acting as print, digital, photo and broadcast journalists who cover the student legislative session. It’s all part of the 78th YMCA Texas State Youth and Government Conference, which is accessible to students of diverse economic backgrounds because of support from The Sumners Foundation. “In today’s polarized political climate, YMCA Youth and Government is vital in teaching young people from different backgrounds how to come together and discuss critical issues in a respectful, civil manner,” said Missy Garcia, YMCA Texas State Youth and Government director. “These students become leaders in their communities and set the example for their peers across the state.” Youth and Government is a nationwide YMCA program active in more than 120 Texas cities that provides a hands-on learning environment with the goal of helping students increase their political awareness and understanding while learning the meaning of social action through realistic government experience.