EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. - ColoradoDesk -- Hundreds of students from across New Jersey gathered at the YMCA Youth and Government Conference this weekend, a hands-on civic engagement experience that YMCA leaders are working to expand to reach more youth in underserved communities.

Nearly 400 middle and high school students participated in the three-day conference at the Hilton East Brunswick Hotel, stepping into the roles of legislators, lobbyists, and press corps, debating and passing mock legislation they developed themselves.

Civic education, YMCA leaders say, is more important than ever and programs like Youth and Government are vital to shaping a new generation of active, informed citizens.

"Youth and Government is a proven program that helps students gain a deeper understanding of how our democracy works," said Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance Julie Gallanty. "At the same time, students sharpen their leadership skills, improve their problem solving and critical thinking abilities and grow in self-confidence."

"We must ensure that young people in every community, regardless of background, have access to this powerful learning experience," said Gallanty, who oversees the YMCA Alliance, representing 30 YMCA associations and 80 local branches in the Garden State.

The YMCA Alliance secured funding in the current state budget that enabled nine local YMCAs to engage 144 new students from historically underrepresented communities in this year's Youth and Government Conference, Gallanty said. In total, 18 delegations participated, reflecting the program's growing reach and commitment to expanding civic opportunities for all New Jersey youth.

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For 13-year-old Maya Woods and seven schoolmates from Sisters Academy of New Jersey in Asbury Park, it was their first Youth and Government conference and they've been busily preparing since mid-February. "What excites me," she said, "is getting to convey my bill to other delegates and get their critiques."

The Asbury Park students worked weekly with their Youth and Government advisor from YMCA of Greater Monmouth County to research, draft, and prepare bills on issues like reducing medical costs for working women, climate change mitigation, and addressing domestic violence.

Thomas Bugliaro, principal of Sisters Academy, said Youth and Government has been a wonderful experience for his students. "Children learn most from each other. This provides opportunities to think critically, speak clearly and most importantly obtain good leadership skills that make a difference in our world," he said.

Gallanty said the YMCA Alliance aims to build on this year's program expansion with a proposed state budget appropriation of $550,000 to ensure more students from underserved communities can benefit from the Youth and Government program and opportunities to interact with local legislators.

As 15-year-old delegate Mahie Panjwani of Westfield said: "I think knowledge is powerful, but I believe it should be shared."

For many students, including Jasai Howard Wright, 18, from Sommerville High School, a highlight of the conference was encouragement about shaping New Jersey's future from three state legislators who spoke: Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy (D-14); Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy (D-7); and Senator Andrew Zwicker (D-16).

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"Getting young people engaged early is so critical," said Senator Zwicker, who championed the New Voter Empowerment Act, a new law that allows registered voters who are 17 by the time of the primary election to vote in that primary if they turn 18 on or before the next general election.

Looking ahead, Gallanty noted, Youth and Government participants will continue their civic engagement at the YMCA Alliance's Trenton Day on May 22, where they will advocate for funding to support both Youth and Government and the Y's Safety Around Water initiative — another vital program designed to provide life-saving swimming skills to children across New Jersey.

For more information on YMCA Youth and Government and water safety programs and how to support these initiatives, visit the YMCA Alliance website at www.njymca.org.

About the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance

The YMCA Alliance is a statewide nonprofit organization leading a coalition of 30 independent YMCA associations. Through public policy, statewide initiatives, strategic partnerships, and service delivery, the YMCA Alliance fosters a greater ability for YMCAs, community partners and leaders across the state to impact families, improve community health and advance equity. Our collective voice strengthens local communities while promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more information, visit www.njymca.org.