Students working together in a Capitol committee room
For Teachers and Schools

Your voice. Your bill. Your Capitol.

Start a Youth and Government program at your school. One teacher and a few students is enough to begin.

Book an interest meetingFind your Intent Form

What it takes

Less than you might think.

  • One adult advisor. A teacher, YMCA staff member or volunteer leads the group.
  • 2 to 10 or more students. Small groups are welcome.
  • One main event in your first year. Your state conference is the only event a new group needs to attend. Everything else is optional.
  • A few meetings to get ready. New groups can start with three meetings, using the free bill writing toolkit.
  • A free Intent Form. It holds your spot and commits you to nothing.
  • Financial aid. No student is turned away for financial reasons.
A packed opening general session at the New York conference

Five steps

From first question to the chamber floor

  1. Submit the free Intent Form. A short interest form. It holds your spot and commits you to nothing.
  2. Book an interest meeting. Get a plan, a timeline and answers for your principal.
  3. Gather your delegation (your school team). 2 to 10 or more students and one adult advisor.
  4. Write bills together. Use the bill writing toolkit. New groups can start with three meetings.
  5. Register by your state's deadline. Then head to the Capitol.

For your principal

What school leaders ask

  • Nonpartisan. Students research and debate public policy, and the Y does not promote any party, candidate or agenda.
  • Supervised. Every delegation attends with its own adult advisors, who sign up for supervision shifts. Every delegate and a parent or guardian sign the Code of Conduct.
  • Civics credit. Supports your school's civic seal and civics requirements. Schools decide what counts.
  • Free classroom materials. The Educator Toolkit, lesson plans and projectable slides cost nothing.
  • Real places. Students debate in the State Capitol in Albany, Hartford or Providence.
Book a call with your principalRules and safety

More for educators

Teach it in class, too

You can use the lessons whether or not your students ever attend a conference.

Educator ToolkitTeach with slidesCivic seal alignment

Pick your state

Find your Intent Form

Each state runs its own program. Fees, dates and deadlines are on each state page.

New York: High SchoolIntent Form for the High School Conference in Albany. New York: Middle SchoolIntent Form for the Middle School Conference in Albany. ConnecticutIntent Form for the State Conference in Windsor and Hartford. Rhode IslandConnect with us and we will get your school on the list. Fees and financial aidWhat it costs in each state and how to apply for aid. New to all of this?What model government is, and how it compares to Model UN and debate.

Questions first? Good.

Book a short interest meeting. Bring your principal if you like.