Programs and Opportunities to Share With Students
Spirit Series
Spirit Series uses history, storytelling, and student performance to build literacy, positive values, and civic skills. Its programs are designed to meet required curriculum standards while giving teachers and students opportunities to help shape the learning experience. Through researching, discussing, rehearsing, and performing historical plays—including its newest production, The Founding—students practice critical thinking, thoughtful listening, respectful dialogue, and collaboration. A new On Screen delivery option is being developed to make the program available to schools in more locations. Spirit Series
YMCA Youth and Government
YMCA Youth and Government gives middle and high school students firsthand experience with civic leadership, public policy, law, journalism, and democratic decision-making. Educators can help students locate an existing program or serve as an adult advisor for a new school-based delegation. Participating delegations are often student-led, with teachers, YMCA staff, or community volunteers providing guidance as students prepare for debates, conferences, and simulated government activities.
Help Students Join or Start a Youth and Government Delegation
American Legion Boys State and ALA Girls State
Boys State and Girls State are immersive summer programs for students who have completed their junior year of high school. Participants create and operate mock state governments, campaign for office, hold elections, debate public issues, and explore the responsibilities of citizenship. Schools and local American Legion organizations often work together to identify and recommend students who demonstrate leadership, character, academic achievement, and involvement in their communities. Selection procedures and deadlines vary by state.
American Legion Boys State Information for Schools and Students
ALA Girls State Information for Schools and Students
Two students from each state program may be selected to continue to Boys Nation or Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. Students advance through their state programs rather than applying separately to the national programs.
United States Senate Youth Program
The United States Senate Youth Program offers qualifying high school juniors and seniors an intensive introduction to public service and the federal government. Educators, counselors, and school administrators can help identify eligible students, share application information, and confirm that applicants hold one of the qualifying elected or appointed student leadership positions. Applications, deadlines, and selection procedures are managed at the state level, so teachers should consult the program’s current state contact information.
Find Senate Youth Program State Contacts and Deadlines
Levin Center Civics Simulation
The Levin Center’s free Civics Simulation brings legislative oversight and public problem-solving into middle and high school classrooms. During this multi-day experience, students take on the roles of legislators, witnesses, and members of the media as they investigate a public problem, question witnesses, evaluate evidence, and present their conclusions. The downloadable materials include a complete instructional sequence, setup and pacing guidance, discussion prompts, student worksheets, and assessment resources.
Access the Levin Center Civics Simulation
Model United Nations
Model United Nations allows students to represent different countries in simulated United Nations committees while researching global issues, delivering speeches, negotiating with other delegates, and developing resolutions. Educators can use Model UN in the classroom, sponsor an extracurricular club, help students prepare for conferences, or connect with other educators working to introduce international affairs and diplomacy to students. UNA-USA provides Model UN opportunities and an educator network for sharing resources and ideas.
Explore Model United Nations Resources and Opportunities
Connect With the UNA Educators Network
