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.
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 (March 4th, 2023)and the Model Legislative and Judicial conferences (March 31st – April 2nd ). 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 Truesdale for more information.
Click here to receive updates on the Spring 2023 Conference.
JR. MODEL LEGISLATURE:
Grades 6-8
Weekly meetings begin in September 2022 leading up to this one-day event held on November 19th . 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.
Click here to receive email updates about the Junior Model Legislature.
Cost & Registration
For more information about joining, contact Anesha Truesdale at atruesdale@ymcade.org.
Middle School Conference: $100
High School Conference: $300
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. If you have already made a commitment to join Youth in Government, you can register at https://my.ymcade.org/s/registration
*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 – Nathan Cho, Western Family YMCA
Judicial Branch – Arielle Flaherty, Charter School of Wilmington
Press Leadership – Aristomenes Angeletakis, Bear Glasgow YMCA
Chief Lobbyist – Jade Buan, 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.
YIG in Action