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.
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.
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 letterFind your seat
Leadership applications
| Role | Due |
|---|---|
| Governor's Cabinet | Oct 5, 2026 |
| Judicial (Justices and attorneys) | Oct 12, 2026 |
| Youth Press Corps | Oct 31, 2026 |
| Committee Chairs | After the new year |
Running for office
What it takes
- Only returning delegates can run, with your advisor's approval.
- Governor, Lt. Governor and Secretary of State 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.
Lt. Governor's Service Focus
Social responsibility
Lt. Governor Erin Chen's service-learning project 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
A bill topic cannot return for 3 years.
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
For 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. Year one only requires the state conference.
- 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
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
| 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
| Due | What |
|---|---|
| Oct 2 | Anticipated Numbers |
| Oct 28 | Registration, bills, rooming, financial aid |
| Nov 11 | Payment |
| Nov 23, 9pm | Award nominations |
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, medical and accessibility needs are collected at registration.
- 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.