On February 5, 2025, MBRT brought together students, educators, family members and mentors from across Maryland for our annual Youth Congress Day in Annapolis, a meaningful opportunity for high school students to learn about and engage in civic leadership and legislative advocacy. This hands-on experience—which this year fell on the same date as Governor Wes Moore’s State of the State Address—introduced students to policymaking, public service and the democratic process, reinforcing MBRT’s mission to equip students with college and career readiness skills through experiential learning.
During their day in Annapolis, students participated in State House Tours prior to Governor Moore’s address and engaged in an MBRT-led, interactive legislative simulation where students debated House Bill 57 / Senate Bill 112 addressing cell phone use in schools. This peer-to-peer activity allowed them to present arguments, propose amendments and negotiate policy decisions, mirroring the real-world legislative process.
Many students highlighted the debate as their favorite part of Youth Congress Day, citing how it challenged their critical thinking and introduced them to the complexities of governance. The experience not only enhanced their understanding of policymaking but also underscored the importance of diverse viewpoints in decision-making.
Following the debate, students attended a special MBRT reception honoring “The 24: Maryland’s Emerging Scholars” award recipients. This ceremony featured inspiring discussions with distinguished elected officials, including Senate President Bill Ferguson, House Speaker Pro Tem Delegate Dana Stein, and Delegate Chao Wu, who presented MBRT with a legislative citation in support of our work. These leaders shared insights into their career journeys and encouraged students to stay engaged in the civic process.
Why It Matters
Inspired by the success of our 2025 Youth Congress Day, MBRT is committed to further expand its student outreach and advocacy initiatives by increasing student involvement in advocacy training, enhancing outreach efforts to more counties and schools across the state while strengthening partnerships with elected officials. Through engaging activities, direct interaction with lawmakers and the celebration of Maryland’s brightest young minds, this annual event continues to be a vital platform for fostering the next generation of civic leaders. As MBRT looks ahead, it remains dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to be informed and engaged citizens of Maryland.
