Youth In Government

Since 1946, students across our region have participated in Youth in Government (YIG), an immersive four-day experience that includes focused discussions on current issues, a wide variety of social events, engaging evening activities, time for small-group reflection, and hands-on leadership development. The program simulates real government and is designed to be as close to the real thing as possible, giving students the opportunity to experience the legislative, judicial, media, and leadership processes firsthand while developing critical thinking, public speaking, collaboration, and leadership skills.

The program starts in late fall when students in grades 8–12 join or form a YIG delegation, which will hold meetings leading up to the conference. High school students may serve as legislators, judges, attorneys, lobbyists, media representatives, or cabinet members. Eighth-grade students begin by participating in Leadership Corps, where they experience all areas of the program to help them choose how they would like to continue their YIG journey in high school.

At the end of October, delegates from all over the state come together for the in-person LAUNCH event to prepare for the four-day conference held in early January.

How can you participate?
Delegates indicate their top three program area choices that align with their grade level and are assigned based on space availability, delegation balance, registration date, and other factors. Program areas include:

8th Grade:
LEADERSHIP CORPS: All 8th grade students participate in Leadership Corps. Students explore all YIG program areas by creating and debating bills, arguing a court case, and writing media articles.

9–12 Grade:
LEGISLATURE: Prepare a bill on an issue important to you, participate in committee hearings and floor debates, and vote on which bills should become law.

COURTS: Research assigned cases and present arguments in a mock trial or appeals case. Judges preside over trials and make decisions regarding legal arguments and objections.

10–12 Grade:
NATIONAL ISSUES FORUM: Research, present, and debate policy solutions to current national or international issues chosen by students.

LOBBYING: Advocate for legislation on behalf of special interest groups.

MEDIA: Research, create, and write articles for a daily newspaper, news releases, and broadcasts using both print and digital formats.