Virginia Youth Civics & Leadership Association

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Since 1871

Since 1871, we have been dedicated to cultivating civic responsibility and leadership among Virginia’s youth. Through immersive, nonpartisan programs that simulate the functions of state government, the Virginia Youth Civics & Leadership Association provides students with opportunities to develop a deep understanding of democratic processes, strengthen their communication and leadership skills, and foster a lifelong commitment to public service and civic engagement.

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What We Do

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Model General Assembly

A long-standing program that introduces high school students to Virginia’s legislative process through debate, research, and leadership roles.

  • Students in grades 9–12
  • Legislative bill writing and debate
  • Youth elected leadership positions
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Model Judiciary Program

A hands-on experience that helps students explore Virginia’s judicial system through courtroom simulations and legal leadership opportunities.

  • Founded in partnership with legal professionals
  • Real courtroom-style competition
  • Focus on civic responsibility
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Leadership & Civic Development

Programs designed to build confidence, public speaking skills, and civic awareness while preparing students for future leadership.

  • Team collaboration
  • Public speaking and communication
  • Statewide networking opportunities
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Many Virginia Model General Assembly and Model Judiciary Members have taken their experience into real-world government positions.

If your name belongs on this list, we’d love to add you.

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Model General Assembly

Alumni in Government

Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg
Delegate Robert Bloxom
Delegate Todd Gilbert
Delegate Greg Habeeb
Senator Lynwood Lewis
Delegate Monty Mason
Governor Ralph Northam
Mr. Jay Pearson
Mr. Jason Powell
The Honorable Gordon Vincent
Senator Jill Vogel

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Young adults in professional attire raising their right hands to take an oath, featuring the Virginia Youth Civics & Leadership logo with the tagline 'Making History Happen Since 1871'.
A group photo of nine smiling young women wearing lanyards and posing in red pews, featuring the Virginia Model General Assembly logo.
A line of young adults and a speaker standing at the front of a church sanctuary facing an audience seated in pews, featuring the Virginia Model General Assembly logo.
A hand holding up a voting card that reads 'VOTE MGA SPEAKER RUN OFF ELECTION', featuring the Virginia Youth Civics & Leadership logo.
A young woman gesturing with her hands while speaking at a wooden podium, featuring the Virginia Model Judiciary logo with the tagline 'Making History Happen' and a 2025 Jill M. Ryan copyright.
A woman placing a red, white, and blue honor cord around the neck of a smiling young woman, featuring the Virginia Model General Assembly logo.
Three smiling young adults wearing event lanyards taking a group selfie together, featuring the Virginia Model General Assembly Elected and Appointed Officers logo.
A young woman speaking at a wooden podium with a microphone, featuring the Virginia Model Judiciary logo and a 2025 Jill M. Ryan copyright.
Black and white photograph of MGA Youth Governor Jarvis Bailey meeting President Jimmy Carter June 30, 1978 during Gov Con.
A smiling young man wearing a suit and a multi-ribboned nametag, resting his hand on a wooden ceremonial mace tied with red ribbon, featuring the Virginia Model General Assembly logo.

I still remember sitting down as a youth Senator in MGA, listening to a bill about crab pots of all things, and realizing it was never really about crab pots. As the bill Patron spoke with such emotion and conviction, the room fell silent and was completely captivated, including me. In that stillness, I understood what MGA truly was: a place where passion could transform even the most unexpected topics into something so impactful and inspiring.

Muhammed “Mo” Al Saffar

Director of Programs

MGA Alumnus 2022 – 2023

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Are you a MGA or MJP Alumni?

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