The Capitol is in session.
State Conference Mar 4 to 6, 2027. Hartford/Windsor Airport Marriott, with Friday at the State Capitol in Hartford. Grades 5 to 12.
New to Youth and Government? Thinking about joining, or your school does not have a program yet? See what a year looks like or start one at your school. In grades 6 to 8? See the middle school guide.
A welcome from the Youth Governor
"Active in Our Present, Invested in Tomorrow."
Shepard Fisher, 2026-27 Connecticut Youth Governor
"With this year's theme, I hope to get you more active in your local community and more invested in learning about and creating the place in which you live."
Read Shepard's full letter (opens in a new tab)New for 2027
The Governor's Cabinet
All positions are modeled on real offices in Connecticut state government.
- Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management. Connecticut's chief financial officer, senior policy director and primary legislative negotiator. Sorts bills for each commissioner and advises the Governor on vetoes.
- Commissioner of Education. Reviews education bills and recommends a signature or veto.
- Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection. Reviews energy and environmental bills.
- Commissioner of Social Services. Reviews public health, children and families, housing, consumer protection and food assistance bills.
- Commissioner of Transportation. Reviews transportation and urban development bills.
Running for office
What it takes
- Only returning delegates can run, with your advisor's approval.
- Governor, Lt. Governor and Secretary of the State candidates are in 11th grade.
- One candidate per delegation for each office.
- Speeches are 3 minutes, 4 for Governor, and stay positive.
- Candidate forms are due Feb 5, 2027.
Also in 2027
The Youth Press Corps runs in 2027. Committee Chair applications are due Feb 5.
Lt. Governor's Service Focus
Coming soon
Lt. Governor Elizabeth Bubello
This year's service focus will be announced soon.
Bill writing toolkit
Write a bill that gets debated
Elected by their peers
2026-27 State Officers
For teachers, advisors and YMCA staff
Start a Connecticut delegation
- Find an adult advisor. One teacher can lead 2 to 10 or more students.
- Check with your school. Ask your school's administration about their approval process. There is no program form to fill out.
- Plan for the main event. In its first year, a group only needs to attend the State Conference. Other activities are optional, except ones that need a year of experience.
- Submit the free Intent Form. It holds your spot and commits you to nothing.
- Book an interest meeting. We'll build a plan that fits your school.
Bill writing toolkit
Bill writing materials for your class
Thursday to Saturday
State Conference
Mar 4 to 6, 2027. Hotel: Hartford/Windsor Airport Marriott, 28 Day Hill Road, Windsor, CT 06095. Check-in Thursday at 3pm. Friday is the day at the State Capitol in Hartford. Grades 5 to 12, with middle school on its own track.
Fees include the hotel
Conference fees
| Who | Room | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Student | 3 to 4 per room | $435 |
| Student | 2 per room | $575 |
| Student | Private | $750 |
| Adult | 2 per room | $435 |
| Adult | Private | $750 |
2026-27
Deadlines
Scroll sideways to see the whole table.
| Due | What |
|---|---|
| Oct 15, 2026 | Governor's Cabinet application |
| Dec 18, 2026 | Anticipated Numbers |
| Jan 15, 2027 | Y-Corps application |
| Jan 29, 2027 | Registration |
| Feb 5, 2027 | Bills, rooming, candidate form, Committee Chair application, financial aid, CONA and NJC self-nominations |
| Mar 5, 2027, 9pm | Award nominations |
Help with cost
Financial aid
$50 to $250 for students (not chaperones), due Feb 5, 2027. No student is ever turned away for financial reasons.
Civic seal credit. Connecticut's State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement (Public Act 26-1) starts with the Class of 2027 in districts that opt in. Youth and Government can serve as the civic engagement experience. Details
For parents and families
Your student's seat in government
Every delegation travels with adult advisors who chaperone the whole conference. Fees cover the hotel, meals and all conference costs.
- Financial aid of $50 to $250 is available for students. No student is ever turned away for financial reasons.
- Dietary and medical needs are collected at registration. For accessibility needs, contact us before the conference.
- Business formal in session and at the Capitol.
- Badges are worn at all times, students stay in their own rooms, and curfew is enforced.
- No weapons, alcohol, drugs, tobacco or vapes. All adults are mandated reporters.
Thursday to Saturday
State Conference
Mar 4 to 6, 2027. Hotel: Hartford/Windsor Airport Marriott, 28 Day Hill Road, Windsor, CT 06095. Check-in Thursday at 3pm. Friday is the day at the State Capitol in Hartford. Grades 5 to 12, with middle school on its own track.
Fees include the hotel
Conference fees
| Who | Room | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Student | 3 to 4 per room | $435 |
| Student | 2 per room | $575 |
| Student | Private | $750 |
| Adult | 2 per room | $435 |
| Adult | Private | $750 |
Questions about safety or cost?
Talk with your student's advisor, or book an interest meeting with our team.
Go national
Your state conference is the start
High school delegates can go on to national programs with students from across the country. Self-nominations for CONA and NJC from this state are due Feb 5, 2027, and advisors can nominate students too.
Conference on National Affairs
About 700 students from more than 30 states research issues facing the country and the world, write proposals and debate them. The 2027 conference is July 3 to 8. Our Northeast team travels together by bus, with a stop in Washington, DC.
National Judicial Competition
Argue an appellate case with a partner against YMCA judicial teams from across the country. A mentor lawyer coaches the Northeast Delegation starting in May.
A summer of service
A five-month team program for grades 9 to 12 that trains servant leaders, advocates and philanthropists, ending in a week-long summer service trip.
Youth Advocate Program
Learn how advocacy works, tell your Y story and meet lawmakers. The national program takes students to Capitol Hill.
One program, three states
Across New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island
Delegates from all three states share one Northeast team at the national conferences. See what the other states are doing, meet their officers and browse their honor rolls.
New York
Two conferences in Albany: Middle School, Nov 22 to 24, 2026, and High School, Apr 2 to 4, 2027.
Honor roll for New York · History for New York · Legislative for New York
Connecticut
State Conference, Mar 4 to 6, 2027, with a full day at the State Capitol in Hartford. Grades 5 to 12.
Honor roll for Connecticut · History for Connecticut · Legislative for Connecticut
Rhode Island
Committee Day at a host high school, then State House Day, Saturday, Mar 13, 2027. Grades 9 to 12.
Honor roll for Rhode Island · History for Rhode Island · Legislative for Rhode Island