The Texas Youth and Government Program was organized in 1946.  Its first Legislature was held in December of 1947, under the chairmandship of Dr. Humphrey Lee, Chancellor, Southern Methodist University. The Texas Program was modeled after the New York State Program, and was organized under the auspices of the Southwest Area Council of YMCAs.

The purpose of the Youth and Government Program is to prepare a selected group of young people for moral and political leadership in the American democratic process by providing guidance, training and experience in the theory and practice of determining public policy on the state level.  It is called "a laboratory in citizenship and government."

The program also affords youth the opportunity to comprehend the meaning and importance of the personal experience with the Judicial branch of our state government.  The Judicial system of the Youth and Government Program began in Texas in 1960. Since then, other programs have been added including lobbyists, government planners and media.

• Texas YMCA Youth & Government Website

• 2012-2013 PHS YMCA Youth & Government Information