75th Model Legislature & Court Anniversary

We’re back at the State Capitol in Sacramento for the 75th Model Legislature & Court conference! Contact your local Y to register today!

75th Model Legislature & Court (MLC)

For over 74 years, California YMCA Youth & Government has provided high school youth throughout California an experiential learning program by modeling California’s legislature and courts. The program offers teen youth participants from around the state the opportunity to collaborate with others, make new friends, and build skills such as critical thinking, persuasive public speaking, writing and research. Youth & Government is rooted in the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility and is a platform for social responsibility, servant leadership and personal development.  We strive to offer a program where everyone feels a sense of belonging and that we help to support the spirit, mind and body of every individual.

Our goal is to nurture the next generation of civically engaged Californians so that they recognize the importance of:

  • Civic Knowledge: They understand the structure, function, and procedures of the California Legislature, including bill development.
  • Civic Awareness: They can identify the major issues facing their communities.
  • Civic Action: They are equipped with the tools they’ll need to make change in their community and can identify the importance of mutual respect, personal responsibility, and active listening in group settings.

The 75th Model Legislature & Court is planning for an in-person conference year, bringing together more than 1,300 youth participants representing over 60 delegations across California. Delegates will convene on a weekly basis at local delegation meetings. The program will include in-person conferences in November and February that allow participants the opportunity to put their training into action as they assume their given roles. Legislation is debated and court cases are decided, as students apply skills they have gained in the program.

Registration for the program happens at your local YMCA! For assistance locating your local Y or more program information, please contact Ali Sheaffer, Associate Executive Director, AliSheaffer@ymcaLA.org, or Lisa Daddario, Associate Executive Director, at LisaDaddario@ymcaLA.org.

Become A Volunteer

Take part in the Model Legislature & Court (MLC) experience as a volunteer.

Learn more