Youth in Government (YIG)

The Youth in Government (YIG) Program offers model legislative and judicial experiences for youth in grades 6 –12. Students learn by doing and have the opportunity to try their hand at leadership in an open and receptive learning environment. Students participate in a Model Government Conference by acting as a Senator, House Representative, Lobbyist, Judge, Lawyer, Journalist and more. Delegates receive training in these positions through weekly meetings and special training events prior to the conference.


Bear Glasgow Family YMCA
Meetings: Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
351 George Williams Way. Newark, DE 19702
First Meeting: Thursday, September 18th at 6:30 p.m.
Brandywine YMCA
Meetings: Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
3 Mount Lebanon Road Wilmington, DE 19803
First Meeting: Thursday, September 18th at 6 p.m.
Dover YMCA 
Meetings: Mondays from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
1137 South State Street, Dover, DE 19901
First Meeting: Monday, September 15th at 6:30 p.m.
Middletown Family YMCA
Meetings: Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
202 E. Cochran St, Middletown, DE 19709
First Meeting: Wednesday, September 17th at 6:30 p.m.
Sussex Family YMCA
Meetings: Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
20080 Church Street, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
First Meeting: Tuesday, September 16th at 6 p.m.
Walnut St. YMCA
Meetings: Saturdays from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
1000 North Walnut Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
First Meeting: Saturday, September 20th at 12:30 p.m.
Western Family YMCA
Meetings: Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
2600 Capitol Trail, Newark, DE 19711
First Meeting: Tuesday, September 16th from 6:30 p.m.
School-Based Delegation: 
Meetings: Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Christ The Teacher
2451 Frazer Rd, Newark, DE 19702
First Meeting: Thursday, September 18th at 3 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT
JR. MODEL LEGISLATURE: Grades 6 – 8

Register Now!

Weekly meetings begin in the fall, running from September-November, leading up to this one-day conference held on November 22nd, 2025 in Dover.  The first Middle School YIG meeting is set for Monday, September 15th. Students will have the chance to learn about the legislative process, debate parliamentary procedure, and work with students from across the state to develop solutions to problems they see facing Delaware. Plus, they have tons of fun!

2025 Interest Form!


HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT
MODEL LEGISLATIVE & JUDICIAL PROGRAM: Grades 9-12

Weekly meetings begin in September, 2025 and will continue through April, 2026. It all leads to the one-day training, elections, conference and both the Model Legislative and Judicial conferences March 27th-March 29th in Dover. Each conference will take place in Dover, Delaware at Legislative Hall and the Kent County Court House.

School Delegations: Charter School of Wilmington, Caravel Academy, Archmere Academy and more. If you are interested in starting a Youth in Government delegation at your school, please contact Jascelyn Parson ([email protected]) for more information.

 Click here to complete an interest form.

Financial Assistance is available.

We allow students to attend the first meeting without making any commitment. At their first delegation meeting, they will receive all of the information they need for the program and our online registration link.

REGISTRATION

Middle School YIG – Junior Model Legislature: Register here!

For more information about joining, contact Jascelyn Parson at [email protected].

  • Middle School Conference: $125
    • A $50 deposit is due at registration, the final $75 payment is due November 1st.
  • High School Conference: $350
    • Registration opens November 1, 2025

Financial Assistance

Due to our generous supporters who contribute each year, we are able to help reduce the cost from $500 to the prices listed above for all delegates. Additional financial assistance is available.


2026 OFFICERS:

LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP

Youth Governor: Gregory Earle | Middletown Family YMCA

JUDICIAL LEADERSHIP

Youth Chief Justice: Sophia DiGenova | Charter School of Wilmington

PRESS LEADERSHIP

Editor in Chief: Selena Yang | Archmere Academy

LOBBYIST LEADERSHIP

Chief Lobbyist: Ethan Flores | Archmere Academy


Model UN

YMCA Model United Nations Program is designed to introduce students to the operation and structure of the United Nations while providing them with an opportunity to actively learn about world cultures and debate issues of international importance. Students will actively participate in conflict resolution, public speaking, and coalition building, in addition to making new friends and being exposed to new ideas. The program promotes leadership through character development while introducing students to a vast array of ideas.

Virtual Delegation Meetings begin in early September and occur each Wednesday from 6:30 – 8 p.m.  *Both Middle & High Schoolers are welcome!

Fill out an interest form here, and we will contact you.

Check back for updates this summer about the 2025 – 2026 session!

Our Mission


To empower youth, foster healthy living, and promote strong communities.

July 4th: YMCA of Delaware Locations Closed

In celebration of Independence Day, all YMCA of Delaware locations will be closed on Friday, July 4.

Outdoor pools will remain open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Western YMCA 10-Lane Pool will be closed.

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