For families and schools
Aid and payment
No student is ever turned away for financial reasons. Financial aid is need-based.
Odd numbers never cost more
Fees are per person and include the hotel (New York and Connecticut). Leftover rooms are billed at the shared rate. A student who is the only one of their gender from a school is paired with a student from another school at no extra cost.
Checks, cards and POs
Make checks payable to "New York State YMCA Foundation" or "YMCA NYS." Write your invoice number on the check and mail it to YMCA Youth and Government, 465 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205. Credit card through the invoice link, about a 3% fee. Purchase orders (POs) accepted; an administrator's written confirmation holds the registration. W-9 on request.
Refunds: conference fees are non-refundable, including when a student is sick or cannot attend.
Don't bring payment to conference
Please do not bring payment to the conference. Questions? Connect with us before your deadline.
State by state
Financial aid and payment due dates
Aid helps cover a student's conference fee. Chaperone fees are not covered.
Scroll sideways to see the whole table.
| Program | Financial aid | How to apply | Payment due |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Middle School | Need-based aid. Apply by Oct 28, 2026. | Financial aid application | Nov 11, 2026 |
| New York High School | Need-based aid. Apply by Feb 15, 2027. | Financial aid application | Mar 1, 2027 (payment or PO) |
| Connecticut | Awards of $50 to $250 per student. Apply by Feb 5, 2027. | Financial aid application | Feb 25, 2027 |
| Rhode Island | $250 per school, with a fee waiver available. | Financial aid application | Coming soon |
| National programs | CONA aid up to $300. NJC aid up to $500. The two cannot be combined. | National programs | Set by each program |
Questions about cost, aid or a family emergency before conference? Connect with us before your deadline.