Youth and Government Launches October 2026. Visit Your Local Y to Learn More - July 2026 Newsletter

YAG Assembly Chair Samvarth Raj (left), New Jersey Lt. Governor Dale G. Caldwell (center), and YAG Senate Chair Jack Gerecitano (right)

The New Jersey YMCA State Alliance hosted its 88th Annual Youth and Government (YAG) Conference from April 24 to 26, 2026 at the Hilton East Brunswick, bringing together 450 students representing 20 delegations from across the state. Over two and a half days, delegates stepped into roles modeled on our local, state, and national government, serving as senators, assembly members, justices, attorneys, and press, as they debated original bills inside a full legislative simulation.

Youth and Government is a student-led civic leadership program for students in grades 7 through 12. Guided by the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, it continues a tradition dating back to 1938 of helping young people build confidence in public speaking, research, advocacy, and servant leadership. Each year, hundreds of New Jersey students take part, gaining skills that stay with them long after the program ends.

This coming season brings exciting new opportunities for students to lead, from serving in the Officer Corps to running for youth governor. It is one of the most powerful ways the Y helps teens find their voice and see themselves as leaders in their communities.

See which local NJ YMCA has a Youth and Government program near you: njymca.org/yag