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.

JR. MODEL LEGISLATURE:
Grades 6-8

Weekly meetings begin in the fall, leading up to this one-day event held in November.  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!

Register Today!

Click here to receive email updates about the Junior Model Legislature.


MODEL LEGISLATIVE & JUDICIAL PROGRAM: Grades 9-12

Weekly meetings begin in January and will continue as we lead up to the one-day Training and Elections Conference and the Model Legislative and Judicial conferences in the spring. Both conferences will take place in Dover, Delaware at Legislative Hall and the Kent County Court House.

School Delegations: Charter School of Wilmington, Caravel Academy, Sussex Academy of Arts and Science, Newark Charter and more. If you are interested in starting a Youth in Government delegation at your school, please contact Anesha Law ([email protected]) for more information.

Registration begins December 4, 2023.  Click here to complete an interest form.

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

  • MODEL LEGISLATIVE & JUDICIAL PROGRAM (Grades 9-12): Registration begins December 4, 2023. Click here to complete an interest form.
  • JR. MODEL LEGISLATURE (Grades 6-8): Click here to register.

For more information about joining, contact Anesha Law at [email protected].

  • Middle School Conference: $100
  • High School Conference: $300

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.


Youth in Government Officers

Executive Branch – Sophie Douglas, Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA

Judicial Branch – Alicia Chu, Archmere Academy

Press Leadership – Katie Ford, Dover YMCA

Chief Lobbyist – Laurel Patterson, Dover YMCA


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

Weekly Meetings will begin at the end of September!

For more information click here.  

Our Mission


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