Kentucky Youth Assembly gives students hands-on civics lessons
KYA unites hundreds of teens from across the commonwealth in a model state government
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WKYT) - On Tuesday, America showed up to the polls for the 2026 midterm elections. It’s a historic year for representation in office, as at least 17 women will be seated as governors, the most in U.S. history.
Tennessee, Ohio, and Minnesota all elected their first female governor, and in Georgia, Kiesha Lance Bottoms is now the first Black woman in U.S. history to be elected governor.
“Any time a young person can see themselves in a leader, it benefits us,” said Amanda Pile Chism, the CEO of The Kentucky YMCA Youth Association. “So, for our young women to be able to see other females in political positions, it allows them to say, I can do this too. This skill, this passion that I have, I am capable.”
Kentucky middle schooler serves as youth governor
One young woman in Kentucky is currently a governor of her own. At the Kentucky Youth Assembly, Simpson County eighth grader Finley West is leading 700 of her peers as youth governor.
“I was just thankful that I got the opportunity and I was just, uh, excited and nervous and all the emotions mixed together,” said West.
At the three-day conference in Louisville, student Senators and Representatives create bills and give speeches in support of them. West and her team can then sign those bills into law.
Some of the proposed laws in her session include limiting screen time on computers, raising minimum wage and allowing a non-voting student member on the school board.
Kentucky student participation highest in nation
The Kentucky Youth Assembly is one program offered by the Kentucky YMCA Youth Association. The association is the largest YMCA Youth and Government program in the United States.
“We have young Kentuckians that are just hungry to get engaged. They’re excited for leadership opportunities. They’re excited to have their ideas heard,” said Pile Chism.
“It’s important to have everyone’s opinion and, like, all genders and races and everything. Because everyone sees the world differently. And it’s just important to recognize everyone,” said West.
West said she’ll take the lessons she’s learned as Youth Governor into her dream job as a Veterinarian.
How to get involved
This week is the first Kentucky Youth Assembly session of the year. There is still time to register your student for middle school and high school conferences in December.
For more information, visit the Kentucky YMCA Youth Association website.
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