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.
- Open to all interested participants statewide
- Virtual link will be provided upon registration
- Contact Rachel O’Brien for more information here
In-Person Meetings:
Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA
Meetings: Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
351 George Williams Way. Newark, DE 19702
Brandywine YMCA
Meetings: Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
3 Mount Lebanon Road Wilmington, DE 19803
Dover YMCA
Meetings: Mondays from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
1137 South State Street, Dover, DE 19901
Middletown Family YMCA
Meetings: Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
202 E. Cochran St, Middletown, DE 19709
Sussex Family YMCA
Meetings: Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
20080 Church Street, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Walnut St. YMCA
Meetings: Saturdays from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
1000 North Walnut Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Western Family YMCA
Meetings: Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
2600 Capitol Trail, Newark, DE 19711
School-Based Delegation:
- Contact your School Advisor for locations & time.
- To start a delegation at your school, contact Rachel O’Brien here.
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT
MODEL LEGISLATIVE & JUDICIAL PROGRAM: Grades 9-12
Weekly meetings begin in November and will continue through March. It all leads to the one-day training, elections, and conference, and both the Model Legislative and Judicial conferences in March at Legislative Hall in Dover and the Kent County Courthouse.
Interested? Complete the Interest Form here!
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 Rachel O’Brien for more information.
Financial Assistance is available.
MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT
JR. MODEL LEGISLATURE: Grades 6 – 8
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!
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. The year concludes with the Middle School YIG Conference on November 14, 2026.
REGISTRATION
High School Model Legislative & Judicial Conference
- High School Pre-Conference: March 6, 2027
- High School Conference: March 19 – 21, 2027
For more information about joining, please contact Rachel O’Brien.
- Middle School Conference: $150
- A $75 deposit is due at registration; the final $75 payment is due November 1, 2027.
- High School Conference: $350
- Registration opens December 1, 2026
- Registration Deadline: February 19, 2027
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.
2027 OFFICERS:
LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP
Youth Governor: Michael DiGenova | Charter School of Wilmington
JUDICIAL LEADERSHIP
Youth Chief Justice: Spencer Maynard | Charter School of Wilmington
PRESS LEADERSHIP
Editor in Chief: Samy Pande | Charter School of Wilmington
LOBBYIST LEADERSHIP
Chief Lobbyist: Iyanna 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!