LANSING. Mich. (WZMQ) – Thirty-nine high school students from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are spending the end of the week inside the state Capitol, taking part in a hands-on civic engagement program designed to mirror real-world government.
The students are participating in the annual YMCA Michigan Youth in Government High School State Conference, a statewide event that brings more than 700 students to Lansing for two days of immersive learning and leadership development.
During the conference, students step into the roles of legislators, judges, attorneys, lobbyists, and members of the media. They debate and vote on student-written legislation, argue mock trials, and report on conference activities as student journalists. Floor sessions are held inside the Michigan State Capitol, giving students a firsthand look at the legislative process in action.
Upper Peninsula schools represented this year include Gladstone High School, L’Anse High School, Mid-Peninsula High School, and Superior Central High School.
Organizers say the program is designed to empower students to build leadership skills, practice civil discourse, and gain a deeper understanding of how state government operates. By simulating the legislative and judicial branches, participants experience the complexities of policymaking while engaging in statewide conversations about public policy.
Pictures and video courtesy of Bellwether Public Relations.
