Middle school. Real chambers.
Middle schoolers have their own conference, their own chambers and their own rules. Here is what is different and what to do next.
Grades 6 to 8
New York: one Middle School Conference in the fall, Nov 22 to 24, 2026, at The Desmond in Albany with a day at the State Capitol. 5th graders are welcome. Connecticut: a Middle School track at the March State Conference. Rhode Island: a middle school program is coming soon.
Grades 9 to 12
New York: the High School Conference, Apr 2 to 4, 2027, with judicial, press, Cabinet and statewide elections. Connecticut and Rhode Island run their high school programs in March. High school paths
New York Middle School Conference
How it works
- Write a bill with your delegation and submit it by Oct 28, 2026.
- Committee. Bills are heard in committees and ranked.
- Chambers at the Capitol. Four chambers debate and vote: Yellow Senate, Yellow Assembly, Blue Senate and Blue Assembly.
- The Governor decides. The Middle School Youth Governor reviews passed bills with help from the High School Resource Team.
- Middle School Presiding Officers serve at the conference itself, with support from the High School Resource Team.
- Debate rules are in the Middle School Parliamentary Procedure Guide.
- AI is a tool for research. It can't write your bill, brief or speech, and you must understand and defend your positions.
Fees and dates
Nov 22 to 24, 2026
Fees cover all conference costs, two hotel nights and five meals.
| Who | Room | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Student | 4 per room | $360 |
| Student | 2 per room | $475 |
| Adult | Shared | $360 |
| Adult | Private | $600 |
Scroll sideways to see the whole table.
| Due | What |
|---|---|
| Oct 2 | Anticipated Numbers |
| Oct 28 | Registration, bills, rooming, financial aid |
| Nov 11 | Payment |
| Nov 23, 9pm | Award nominations |
Connecticut
Middle School track
Connecticut middle schoolers take part in the State Conference, Mar 4 to 6, 2027, on their own Youth Assembly track. Connecticut details
Rhode Island
Coming soon
A Rhode Island middle school program is coming soon. Connect with us to hear first.
Keep going
Middle school extras
- The National Civics Bee is open to grades 6 to 8. Essays are due Feb 2, 2027.
- High school students can help run the Middle School Conference on the Resource Team.
Examples
See past work
Real work from recent years. Use it as a model.