Student Learning & Civic Engagement
Smart Curriculum + Fun Environment + Dedicated Volunteers = Student Success
Learning and getting involved in government and community renewal can be fun! One key goal of the YMCA DC Youth & Government Program is to provide a healthy, safe, and standards-based curriculum to students—in an extracurricular, social, and fun environment.
A Commitment to Student Learning
The YMCA DC Youth & Government Program has received extensive advice from curriculum development experts. Guidelines have been established to ensure that:
- Students develop stronger writing skills
- Students improve their public speaking skills
- Students learn key elements of civics, such as passage of legislation, the powers of the branches of government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship
- Students take their goals and turn them into realities through community service
Student Learning Survey
The YMCA DC Youth & Government Program is currently pursuing a non-intrusive longitudinal study of student advancement. Our anecdotal evidence has demonstrated that program graduates:
- Apply for acceptance—and earn admission to—more rigorous colleges and universities
- Participate in community service activities
- Attend City Council and School Board meetings
- Take an active role in their high school student government programs
- Demonstrate a more positive outlook on education than when they started the program.
Nationwide Success for the Y&G Movement
Nationally, the Youth & Government movement has achieved success in increasing civic engagement, based on scientifically-valid studies. For example:
- 96 percent of Y&G alumnus are registered to vote, compared to 66 percent of American adults.
- 51 percent of Y&G alumnus have contacted their elected officials, compared with 34 percent of American adults.
- 36 percent of Y&G alumnus have served on community, state, or federal boards and commissions, compared with 3 percent of American adults.