Fridley students describe Youth & Government conference, credit program with building leadership and college opportunities

A delegation of Fridley High School students and their adviser briefed the Fridley Public School District Board on the Fridley Youth and Government program at the March 18 meeting, describing a student-led simulation of Minnesota government that the group attended in Minneapolis.

“We took 90 students this year, 8 through 12, to the YIG conference,” said Steve Holt, a Fridley teacher and YIG adviser, who described the program as student-led and praised its leadership development. Student speakers described three primary program strands — legislative, courts and executive — and outlined how students draft and debate bills, run mock trials, or serve in executive roles at the conference.

Jesus, the delegation treasurer, explained the program formats and noted that in addition to Youth and Government, Fridley students also participate in Model UN and the Conference on National Affairs (KONA). Yahira, who served as Fridley’s youth secretary of state at the conference, described the executive branch’s structure and the work of commissioners, press secretaries and elected officers. Student leaders said training begins long before the conference with an all-day “launch” training event that Fridley hosted this year and that drew about 1,500 students from around the region.

Students and advisers credited the district and community for financial support: the program cost roughly $500 per student and “almost all of them require huge amounts of financial aid,” said Holt. Student Cecilia Thalner and others described leadership outcomes: Fridley students won and ran for statewide positions, were appointed to conference leadership roles, and two students received opportunities to attend national advocacy events in Washington, D.C., with YMCA-affiliated programs.

“When I got to Washington D.C. I got to speak to staff members of every single representative and senate office of Minnesota,” said Yahira, describing an advocacy visit she attended as part of program-related activities.

Board members and community guests praised the program for giving students civic skills, confidence and access to legislators. The presentation included awards: Holt received the Fridley Public Schools Foundation Employee of Excellence recognition, presented by students.

Speakers said the program also connects students to internships, recommendation letters and college pathways — several student presenters described planned college majors and career goals inspired by their YIG experiences.

The board did not take formal action on the presentation; it was received as an informational update.