Through the generosity of donors like you, the YMCA Center for Youth Voice excels at developing cause-driven leaders through programs and experiences that build civic skills, character, and confidence. We are committed to preserving Minnesota's strong civic culture by supporting our future leaders.
What we’ve achieved from generous supporters
- During a momentous election year, more than 300,000 students from elementary and secondary schools across Minnesota learned about the importance and process of voting through Students Voting, our popular mock election program.
- More than 1,000 high school students in 20 districts statewide participated in “pre-voter registration drives” in support of the new Minnesota law allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote.
- Over 600 students in grades 6-12 came together to advocate for issues impacting their local communities during Minnesota’s YMCA Youth Day at the Capitol (YDAC).
- Provided more than $100,000 in financial assistance to program participants whose families are experiencing financial hardship.
Looking ahead to 2025
Your contributions will support:
- Enhanced conference experiences: Donor-supported financial assistance will provide meal vouchers for more than 250 delegates at our annual Youth in Government and Model United Nations conferences.
- Expanded impact: 20 participants in our Youth Advocacy Cohort have been gotten involved in self-selected areas including public health, election access, school board reform, legislative campaigns, and the creation of a new youth council in Winona.
- Increased civility: Our 250 elected and appointed officers will learn and use the Respectful Conversations in Schools model to lead with respect and empathy.
Thanks to your incredible support , in just five years, 10,000 youth will receive experience collaborating, compromising, and seeking common ground!
Consider a gift to further increase our impact
