The Michigan State Capitol is photographed, Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Lansing, Mich. Students from Gladstone, Superior Central, Mid Peninsula and L'Anse High Schools will be visiting this weekend. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Thirty-nine Upper Peninsula students will be in Lansing this weekend for a hands-on civic engagement experience.

It’s the annual YMCA Michigan Youth in Government High School State Conference, a two-day program in which teens serve as legislators, judges, attorneys, lobbyists, and members of the media.

“Michigan Youth in Government empowers students to build leadership skills, practice civil discourse, and gain a deeper understanding of how state government works,” stated a press release. “Their participation ensures that young voices are part of statewide conversations about public policy and governance.”

More that 700 high-schoolers from around the state will be in attendance at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing on Feb. 27 and 28.

This year, there are nine participating students from Gladstone High School, nine from Mid Peninsula, nine from L’Anse High School and 12 from Superior Central High School.

They may well represent the next generation of civic leaders.

The YMCA declares that it missions for the program are: “to provide leadership training to meet the needs of a democratic society and to develop an understanding and awareness of Michigan state government and national issues; to create an inclusive environment in which students develop an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of others; and to strengthen young people and communities through emphasizing character development and the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in all that we do.”

Throughout the conference, students will debate and vote on student-written legislation, argue mock trials, report on conference activities as student journalists, and engage directly in a simulated state government process.