Inspiring Tomorrows Leaders

Teaching Democracy to the Next Generation

ADVISOR REGISTRATION

We are excited to welcome new and returning advisors to the program.  All Head Advisors and Advisors should use this portal.  Once you are registered, we will provide you with an invitation to access the Advisor Hub as well as Conference App.

  • $150 Single Room Premium – our advisor fee includes double occupancy. Should you prefer to have a single room, you will be prompted to pay the premium at registration.

  • Child Abuse Prevention Training – all adult advisors and volunteers are required to complete an annual Child Abuse Prevention Training module prior to any in person event.  You will receive a link for the training after registration is comlete.

  • Background Check – an annual background check will be completed prior to attending any Youth and Government programming.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Our commitment is to ensure the program is attainable to all.  While a limited number of full scholarships are available, last year we awarded more than 30% of our student population with scholarships totaling over $50,000.

The scholarship application is included in the registration application, and the portal closes October 1, 2026. Students and Advisors will be notified prior to November 1 of the scholarship awards.

ADVISOR RESOURCES

Our Advisor Hub provides a wealth of programming resources from recruitment to program content, everything you need to be successful is found here.  Access is only available to current year program Advisors.  If you need assistance, complete the contact form and we can help.

STUDENT ROLES

Who can be a Legislative Assistant?
Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

What do Legislative Assistants do?
LAs participate in the State Issues Forum by picking an issue that is pertinent to Illinois, writing a proposal that outlines your opinion on the issue, and preparing an oral presentation for Assembly.

Who can be a Lobbyist?
Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

What do Lobbyists do?
Lobbyists research organizations to represent, draft legislative agenda advocating for their organization’s position, track bills throughout the Legislative Process, present written or oral testimony in committee, and influence legislation throughout the program.  Lobbying activities are tracked and evaluated on a point system to determine the Most Effective Lobbyist.

Who can be a Legislator?
Juniors and Seniors

What do Legislators do?
Legislators work collaboratively in a bill group to draft legislation; conducting research and writing both a bill and bill brief.  Legislators work in committees  sessions to review, debate and prioritize bills that will be presented on both the House and Senate floor in Illinois’ historic Capitol.

Who can be an Attorney?
Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

What do Attorneys do?
Attorneys work together in teams to argue an appellate court case. Each attorney team writes a bench memo, presents an oral argument at Assembly, serves as a Justice on a court, and participates in the judicial review process.

Who can be a Clerk-Bailiff?
Anyone can serve as a Clerk-Bailiff

What do Clerk-Bailiffs do?
Clerk-Bailiffs present oral argument presentation in the Clerk-Bailiff Forum. At Assembly, they will assist in general court administration and also participate in judicial review.

Who can be on the Media Team?
Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

What does the Media Team do?
The Press Team documents the activities of the Youth & Government program year.  Students work to provide print and social media content that is delivered through social media channels, the Illinois YMCA Youth and Government monthly newsletter as well as The Observer, our printed paper distributed at Assembly.

HOW DO I HELP MY STUDENTS CHOOSE A ROLE?

As one of 1,000 students from all over Illinois, delegates will have the opportunity to participate in one of six program sections at our mock-government program.  Depending on their grade and your local delegation, they can choose from Legislative Assistant, Lobbyist, Legislator, Attorney, Clerk-Bailiff or the Press Team.

Once registered for the program, students can apply for one of the more than 130 leadership roles available each year.