Nearly 400 middle school students from 19 schools throughout the state are expected to participate in the second annual session of Michigan Youth in Government that will begin this weekend.

The statewide program is an expansion of the Youth in Government program for high school students.

Run by the YMCA, it gives students the chance to learn how legislative processes work.

The event takes place from Sunday to Tuesday at the state Capitol and the Holiday Inn South, 6820 South Cedar St. in Lansing. Featured speakers are state Rep. Hoon-Yung Hopgood, D-Taylor, and House Speaker Pro Tem Larry Julian, R-Lennon.