The YMCA Youth & Government program is a high school leadership and citizenship centered program, with the motto: "Democracy must be learned by each generation." Its mission is to foster informed public—minded citizens, by teaching democratic values and skills to youth through hands-on experience.

The process initially centers on each student writing a bill toward amending or repealing an existing state law, creating a new law, or even writing a nationally oriented memorial to the President. Eventually many students acquire a legislative role, such as State Senators or House Representatives, but the opportunity also exists for students to be reporters, lobbyist, pages, or even run for a multitude of student-elected offices (i.e. Youth Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, etc.) Each spring (usually in May) the 4-day state-wide grand mock legislature, called The "Capital" Take-Over, has students proponing, debating, and voting on student bills, as well as attending a formal Youth Governor's Ball.

Although YMCA's in many states often run their own Youth & Government delegations, they generally also extend the opportunity for public schools, private schools, and homeschool groups to form their own delegations and participate in several local and statewide Youth-Leg. events. The YMCA program, with a cost of around $200-$250 per student, generally follows an October - May school year. Although delegation advisor/s generally construct their own group's weekly or bi-monthly meeting timetables and academic teaching plans, students generally take on leadership roles and run the meetings, to foster leadership skill development.

The Youth & Government program proves very popular with most teens, who often enjoy voicing their opinions related to their broadening worldview. In order to meet the ambitious year-end program goals, students must learn a variety of academic information, including the framework and function of state government, bill writing and process, parliamentary procedure, and basic principles of public speaking and debate.

Yet, the program format hopes to stimulate careful deliberation of social and public-policy issues, associated ethical values, and possible resolutions. A crucial skill needed in this student arena is that of effective and persuasive communication. Individual delegations offer students the chance to practice voicing their opinions in a "safer", more accepting environment. They must work to develop skills of public speaking and debate, in order to formulate their own thoughts into a clear and concise vocal presentation before peers.

Because collective program events include youth representative of society, students are forced to evaluate the merit and logic of many perspectives, amongst much teen emotion and frank rhetoric (some of which may not be desired for younger teens). It can be of particular benefit for students to wade though many public-policy and social issues, while parental feedback is still available. Students can be challenged to consider all points of view, weigh out evidence, discern pros and cons, and to define any Biblical principles that are foundational to the issue/s at hand. Furthermore, local and state mock legislatures not only provide students the opportunity to speak out in favor or against various proposals, they require students to at least vote on the many issues. Students quickly learn if they are prepared, and/or willing to act with integrity, to take a verbal or visual stand against the majority when needed.

Collectively the Youth & Government experience can facilitate real world skills of leadership, organization, and communication, while inspiring a greater understanding of individual conscious, citizens in action, and democracy at work.