Youth in Government is a longstanding, successful YMCA program and the Glendale Sports Center at Infinity Park is sending two Glendale teens enrolled in the program to this statewide YMCA program during the week of Thanksgiving. Siblings Kelly and Kevin Hernandez will represent the Glendale YMCA.
For three months every year, students learn about the state’s democratic system, and how laws and government shape people’s lives. They explore all major aspects of state government, filling roles as politicians, lobbyists, attorneys, and journalists.
Then they convene for a mock General Session at the State Capitol where they write bills, lobby, debate, and vote, all using the House floor, Senate chambers, and offices of the state capitol. This is the only program of its kind that offers this type of experience and access to Colorado’s legislative offices.
“I am so excited to participate this year in the Youth in Government program because it will help me see how our government system works firsthand, said Kelly Hernandez. “Since I want to be a lawyer when I grow up [focused on translating for Spanish speakers], this will give me a chance to see how the government workings and decisions apply to the field I want to go into.”
“I feel privileged to be inside the State Capitol building during Youth in Government,” said Kevin Hernandez. I have never been there, and am grateful for the chance to see how and where government officials work on a daily basis.”
For more information about the program, visit www.denverymca.org. For more information about the Glendale Sports Center at Infinity Park, visit www.sportscenterglendale.com or call 303-639-4711.