New York Chief Justice
Matthew Danielsen
"Whether it's your first time being in a law program, the judicial program allows students to develop their debating skills and grow as public speakers."
New York
Albany is yours.
Middle School Conference Nov 22 to 24, 2026. High School Conference Apr 2 to 4, 2027, in Albany and the NYS Capitol.
I am a
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
"This year's theme is Authenticity."
Joyce Chen, 2026-27 New York State Youth Governor
"Sit with someone from a different region. Talk to someone you have never spoken to before."
Read Joyce's full letter (opens in a new tab)Find your seat
Leadership applications
Scroll sideways to see the whole table.
| Role (click to apply) | Due |
|---|---|
| Governor's Cabinet | Oct 5, 2026 |
| Judicial (justices and attorneys) | Oct 12, 2026 |
| Youth Press Corps | Oct 31, 2026 |
| Committee Chairs | Opens after the new year |
Running for office
What it takes
- Only returning delegates can run, with your advisor's approval.
- Governor and Lt. Governor candidates are in 11th grade.
- One candidate per delegation for each office.
- Speeches are 3 minutes, 4 for Governor, and stay positive.
- No online campaigning.
Judicial program
Argue the case
Attorneys argue appellate cases before a panel of student justices. Teams write a brief, then get 15 minutes in the courtroom. Applications for justices and attorneys are due Oct 12, 2026.
Lt. Governor's Service Focus
Social responsibility
Lt. Governor Erin Chen's service focus helps families afford necessities like food, toiletries and coats, especially in winter and the holidays. Each school has a Service-Learning Liaison, and delegates log service hours and learning hours.
Bill writing toolkit
Write a bill that gets debated
You can write on a topic from a past year, but the research and writing must be your own.
PDFBill Writing GuideStep by step from idea to finished bill. (opens in a new tab)PDF2026 NY High School Bill BookEvery bill from the 2026 conference, plus the High School debate rules. (opens in a new tab)PDFParliamentary Procedure GuideMiddle School debate rules: speaking order, motions and voting. (opens in a new tab)PDFSample Bill BookReal student bills from a past conference. (opens in a new tab)LAWLook up a New York lawCheck current New York law before you write.
At conference
Know before you go
- Business formal in session and at the Capitol, casual in the evenings. Officers dress formally throughout.
- Award nominations are due at 9pm on the second day: Nov 23 (Middle School) and Apr 3 (High School).
- AI is a tool for research. It can't write your bill or speech, and you must understand and defend your positions.
- Wear your badge at all times and follow curfew.
Elected by their peers
2026-27 State Officers
JC
Joyce ChenYouth Governor
EC
Erin ChenLieutenant Governor
SP
Sunny ParkAttorney General
LQ
Lily QuinnComptroller
MD
Matthew DanielsenChief Justice
CS
Christopher SchelhasPublic Defender
MO
Michelle OrdwayEditor-in-Chief
SL
Steven LinSpeaker of the Assembly, Excelsior
OP
Olivia PessoDeputy Speaker, Excelsior
OV
Owen VaughanSpeaker of the Assembly, Freedom
CF
Casey FarrellDeputy Speaker, Freedom
GV
Gabriel VillacisSpeaker of the Assembly, Liberty
MN
Mario NovelloDeputy Speaker, Liberty
MS
Madison SpanarelliPresident Pro Tempore, Senate Freedom
KH
Karim HammamiDeputy President Pro Tempore, Senate Freedom
MS
Maira SiddiqiPresident Pro Tempore, Senate Liberty
TP
Teddy PhelpsDeputy President Pro Tempore, Senate LibertyFor teachers, advisors and YMCA staff
Start a New York delegation
- Find an adult advisor. One teacher can lead 2 to 10 or more students.
- Get school approval. Most schools approve Youth and Government as a club or activity. Ask your principal or activities office what they need, and we are glad to talk with them.
- Plan for the main event. In your first year, the High School or Middle School Conference is the only event your group needs to attend. Everything else is optional.
- 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
PDFBill Writing GuideStep by step from idea to finished bill. (opens in a new tab)PDF2026 NY High School Bill BookEvery bill from the 2026 conference, plus the High School debate rules. (opens in a new tab)PDFParliamentary Procedure GuideMiddle School debate rules: speaking order, motions and voting. (opens in a new tab)PDFSample Bill BookReal student bills from a past conference. (opens in a new tab)LAWLook up a New York lawCheck current New York law before you write.
Grades 6 to 8 (5th graders welcome)
Middle School Conference
Nov 22 to 24, 2026 at The Desmond, Albany. 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 |
Grades 9 to 12, capped at 800
High School Conference
Apr 2 to 4, 2027, Albany and the NYS Capitol. Hotels: The Desmond and the Hilton Garden Inn Albany Airport.
| 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 |
High School deadlines
2027 calendar
Scroll sideways to see the whole table.
| Due | What |
|---|---|
| Jan 11 | Anticipated Numbers |
| Feb 8 | Registration |
| Feb 15 | Bills, briefs, rooming, Presiding Officer nominations, financial aid |
| Mar 1 | Payment or PO, CONA and NJC submissions |
| Apr 1 | Alumni Dinner and State Leadership Training |
| Apr 3, 9pm | Award nominations |
Middle School deadlines
Fall 2026 calendar
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 |
All forms and links in one place
Missed a deadline? Contact us before assuming it is too late.
Hilton Garden Inn, Nanuet
Judicial Dec 12 to 13, 2026. Legislative Feb 27 to 28, 2027. $120 per student, $180 per adult.
State Advocacy Day
Feb 8 to 9, 2027 in Albany, the finale of the NYS Youth Advocate Program.
Supervision provided
Each school decides whether to send an adult on Thursday night. Supervision is provided either way.
NYSED Seal of Civic Readiness
Participation may count toward points your school's Seal Committee awards. We provide letters with hours and roles. Details
Checks, cards and POs
Checks payable to "New York State YMCA Foundation." Cards through the invoice link, about a 3% fee. POs accepted. Details
Need-based aid
Due Oct 28 (Middle School) and Feb 15 (High School). CONA aid $300 and NJC aid $500, not combined. Apply for aid
Future High School dates: Mar 17 to 19, 2028; Mar 23 to 25, 2029; Mar 22 to 24, 2030.
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.
- No student is ever turned away for financial reasons. Aid is need-based.
- Dietary and medical needs are collected at registration. For accessibility needs, contact us before the conference.
- Business formal in session and at the Capitol, casual in the evenings.
- 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.
Grades 6 to 8 (5th graders welcome)
Middle School Conference
Nov 22 to 24, 2026 at The Desmond, Albany. 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 |
Grades 9 to 12, capped at 800
High School Conference
Apr 2 to 4, 2027, Albany and the NYS Capitol. Hotels: The Desmond and the Hilton Garden Inn Albany Airport.
| 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 Mar 1, 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