The Youth Empowerment Summit (Y.E.S.!) is a nationally recognized and award-winning full day of civic engagement for high school students. Y.E.S.! presentations and activities empower and encourage youth to say “YES!” to the leadership roles that make a positive difference.
Event Photos
This year, 137 high school students representing eight different schools around the county came together for leadership training, learning the importance of our constitutional rights and our civic responsibilities. This event encourages young adults to learn more about our local community and make their own positive civic contribution. The event offers a powerful lesson in how good governance improves our lives.
Original Invitation
When:
Wednesday setup: September 25th, 2025, 3 pm to 5 pm
Thursday to help with student arrivals: 8:15 am to 10:15 am
Thursday tabling: 1:15 pm to 3:30 pm
Tabling Orientation: TBD
Location: UCD Campus Ballroom (details when you sign up)
The League’s 2025–2026 program places special emphasis on voter registration and civic engagement among high school and college students.
As Dr. Mindy Romero of the Center for Inclusive Democracy has observed, youth ages 18–24 remain the least likely to vote in California. The League of Women Voters of the United States also recognizes the continuing barriers facing student voters.
Thank You, Volunteers!
We have plenty of Volunteers to help prepare student event packets, assist with student program activities, offer election information, and encourage participants to engage with and lead civic citizenship. Thanks for signing up!
What do students learn from the YES! program?
- Understand how elections and government work
- Learn how to register and pre-register to vote
- Gain leadership and public speaking skills
- Connect with local leaders and community groups
- Discover how to make a difference through civic action
What do students do at the YES! event?
- Hands-on civic education workshops
- Youth-led leadership and empowerment sessions
- Panels and Q&A with elected officials and civic leaders
- Creative projects like poster design and social media outreach
- Mock elections and simulations
- Resource fair with voter and community organizations
Who Attends the Yolo County YES! Event?
- High school juniors and seniors
- Student government members
- Teens interested in leadership, social change, or politics
- High school youth who are ready to raise their voice and make an impact!
Say “YES!” to Youth Engagement & Leadership