[SAN ANTONIO, TX, December 9, 2024] — The YMCA of Greater San Antonio is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation for one year beginning October 25, 2024. This grant will support the implementation of the Empowering Future Leaders Through Youth & Government program, a national YMCA initiative designed to educate and inspire youth through hands-on experiences with government and civic engagement.
The YMCA Youth & Government (YG) program provides students a unique opportunity to participate in pre-conference meetings, training, and a statewide conference where they debate solutions to pressing community issues. The grant funding will specifically assist students with registration fees for District and State Conferences, ensuring greater accessibility for all participants.
Many of the program participants come from low-income, urban, and predominantly minority communities in San Antonio. These students often become the first in their families to graduate high school or attend college. The program also emphasizes developing critical life skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership.
Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $28 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation's largest charitably-funded bar foundation.
High school students interested in joining the Youth & Government program can register for the 2025-2026 program starting this fall. For more information, contact Sonia Gonzalez at soniag@ymcasatx.org or Angelica Torres at angelicat@ymcasatx.org.
The YMCA of Greater San Antonio is honored to continue this impactful partnership with the Texas Bar Foundation, fostering a generation of informed, engaged, and inspired young leaders.