NC YMCA Youth And Government Annual Conference
Raleigh, NC
Program Registration is now open. Register today.
Youth Legislature is a national YMCA program for high school students that prepares them for moral and political leadership through training in the theory and practice of developing public policy.
The Annual Conference is traditionally held in downtown Raleigh each February. Delegates gather from across the state to hold sessions, debate bills, hear cases and elect new officers. Some sessions are even held inside state government chambers.
Each conference brings together diverse students from across the state to experience the governmental process first-hand through a unique “youth-run, youth-led” model. Delegates can select from a myriad of roles in which to participate in the program and annual conference.
Scholarships to the Annual Conference are available based on financial need. You can apply for a scholarship by filling out this form.
Registration for the Annual Youth Legislative Conference opens yearly in August. The conference is held in February. If you do not see your delegation listed on the registration page, or if you are interested in attending the fall Pre-Conference event, contact Amber McClure.
At the annual conference, all delegates are eligible to sign up for our legislative or court of appeals program, applications must be submitted to be considered for specialty area roles such as media, mock trial, lobbyist, budget analyst, governor’s cabinet, or officer positions. Click here to apply before the deadline listed on our calendar.
Judicial
Participate in mock trials or appeals cases, act as court officials, and develop a clear understanding of the judicial process in both criminal courts and appeals courts
Media
Learn how to report on the conference. Write blogs, take photos, produce video content, and participate in the creative process via digital and social media.
Elected & Appointed Officials
Run for one of several elected positions at the NC Youth and Government Conference. Most positions require specific experience qualifications.