Florida YMCA Youth In Government
USFSP - Civic Fellows Program
A new partnership between the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and the YMCA
This partnership is an expansion of the highly regarded YMCA Youth In Government (YIG) program. For more than 60 years, YIG has provided civics and character education to middle and high school students culminating in an experiential learning opportunity through the model State Assembly program during which students learn about public policy and the legislative process. The partnership between the Florida YMCA YIG program and a university to offer college credits for participation is the first of its kind in the United States.
This is an academic year-long program, running from June to June with commencing and capstone Institutes held each summer. Students will participate in the Weekly Chapter Meetings at their local YMCA, Modules-Webinars that are led by their Graduate Advisors, Fall Delegate Convention, State Assembly, and the USFSP YMCA Civics Institutes at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg held each June.
Content delivery will take place in person and by the use of google classroom and will include distance learning, experiential learning, service learning and civic engagement opportunities for the students. The course work is based on delegates YIG work already completed by members of the Youth In Government program.
Legislative delegates will be expected to complete bills and bill portfolios and judicial delegates will complete briefs, research, and oral arguments. All students selected as Supporting Officers will be completing the work associated with that role.
For more information please visit the Resource Directory or email CivicFellows@floridayig.net.
Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Apply
INTERESTED IN APPLYING?
Any second year delegate in the tenth grade or above may apply to be a Civic Fellow. The application process will include a student application, along with a parent acknowledgement, a teacher recommendation, and a delegation leader or chapter advisor recommendation.