Take the floor.
State House Day, Saturday, Mar 13, 2027, with Committee Day before it at a host high school. Grades 9 to 12. $250 per school.
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
"Taking the Floor."
Ella Procaccianti, 2026-27 Rhode Island Youth Governor
"My leadership journey began the first time I took my mic, stood up, and gave my first speech on the floor of the Senate, and so can yours."
Read Ella's full letter (opens in a new tab)Join the Governor's Cabinet
Cabinet positions
Each is modeled on a real office in Rhode Island's state government. Cabinet members advise the Governor on signing or vetoing bills.
- Secretary of Commerce
- Director of Administration
- Director of Labor and Training
- Director of Human Services
- Director of Environmental Management
- Director of Business Regulation
- Superintendent of State Police and Director of Public Safety
- Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education
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.
- Candidate forms are due Feb 12, 2027.
Lt. Governor's Service Focus
Coming soonLt. Governor Aaron Chellel
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 Rhode Island 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 events. Committee Day and State House Day are the two events your group attends.
- Connect with us. We'll get your school on the list and send next steps.
- Book an interest meeting. We'll build a plan that fits your school.
Bill writing toolkit
Bill writing materials for your class
2026-27
Deadlines
Scroll sideways to see the whole table.
| Due | What |
|---|---|
| Oct 31, 2026 | Governor's Cabinet application |
| Dec 18, 2026 | Anticipated Numbers |
| Feb 5, 2027 | Registration |
| Feb 12, 2027 | Bills, candidate form, Committee Chair application, CONA and NJC self-nominations |
Simple pricing
$250 per school
No per-student fee, and a waiver is available. Committee Day is at a host high school (date coming soon), then State House Day is Saturday, Mar 13, 2027.
New: a Rhode Island middle school program is coming soon.
Civic Literacy Act. Under the 2021 law, every public school district offers at least one student-led civics project in middle or high school. A researched bill can support it. Details
For parents and families
Your student's seat in government
Rhode Island events are day events. Every delegation attends with its adult advisors.
- The school pays $250, with no per-student fee. A waiver is available.
- No student is ever turned away for financial reasons.
- Business formal at the State House.
- Badges are worn at all times.
- No weapons, alcohol, drugs, tobacco or vapes. All adults are mandated reporters.
Questions?
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 12, 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