YOUNG CITIZENS ACADEMY
Civic leaders start here.
Civic leaders start here.
Young Citizens Academy (YCA) is a student-led, global initiative inspiring civic engagement among youth. It began when Mayas Smith, a Bloomfield Hills High School student, started teaching civics lessons to a second-grade classroom in Waterford, Michigan. He turned a simple act of community outreach into a broader mission to make civics engaging, accessible, and youth-driven
Today, YCA operates through three core models: elementary outreach, interactive civics workshops, and school-based civics clubs. Each model empowers students to understand government, connect with public officials, and lead civic change in their communities.
Young Citizens Academy reaches students through three flexible, hands-on models. Whether it’s introducing second graders to voting or helping high schoolers run their own civics clubs, YCA brings government to life at every level.
YCA team members visit K–5 classrooms to lead fun, age-appropriate lessons on topics like elections, flags, and the three branches of government. These sessions are designed to spark curiosity early and show students that their voices matter, even at a young age.
Our interactive workshops are single-day programs that engage middle and high school students in deeper civic topics, such as how a bill becomes a law or what local government actually does. Workshops often feature guest speakers, activities, and live Q&A sessions with elected officials.
For schools looking to go further, YCA supports student-run civics clubs that meet regularly to discuss current events, plan outreach projects, and develop youth leadership. Club members gain real experience with advocacy, public speaking, and peer education. Taken together, these are key areas of building the next generation of changemakers.
Young Citizens Academy has been formally recognized by both the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate for its leadership in advancing civic education. YCA has also earned the support of the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees, reflecting strong community backing for its mission.
By connecting students directly with public officials and empowering them through hands-on civic engagement, YCA is helping shape a generation of informed, active citizens across the globe.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a student, educator, or community leader, there’s a place for you in the Young Citizens Academy movement.
Start a Chapter
Bring YCA to your school! We’ll provide guidance and materials to help you launch a civics club, host workshops, or start an outreach team.
Partner With Us
Are you a public official, teacher, or civic organization? Partner with YCA to host events, speak to students, or help expand our reach.
Stay Connected
Interested but not sure where to start? Reach out, we’d love to hear from you.
