Youth and Government

Parent Resources

Youth and Government

Parent Resources

YOUTH & GOVERNMENT

For over 75 years, Illinois YMCA Youth and Government has been at the forefront in offering civic education programs for high school students that provide instruction and real-time experiences on how the Illinois government works. We help students find their voice as they develop life-long leadership skills in model government experiences. We believe strongly that civics education is a vital component to American youth, as it instills knowledge about democracy, our Constitution, and equips students with the tools they need to impact the world around them.  Our program that prioritizes five key areas:

  • Leadership Skills
  • Civic Engagement
  • Public Speaking
  • Self Confidence
  • Broadening Perspectives

We look forward to your student joining this year’s program and becoming one of the 40,000+ alumni who have explored the world of government, politics, and civic participation through Illinois YMCA Youth and Government.

PARENT RESOURCES

Because we know there are so many more questions than one webpage can answer, we’ve assembled a Parent Resource for you.  The document includes information on the program schedule, dress code, spending money, and how to see your students in action.

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 Press Team?
Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

What does the Press 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.

WHAT ROLE MIGHT MY STUDENT PLAY?

As one of 1,000 students from all over Illinois, your student will have the opportunity to participate in one of six program sections at our model-government program.  Depending on their grade and local delegation, your student 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.

REGISTRATION

We are excited to welcome new and returning students to the program.  Registration links are provided by the local Delegation Advisor.

  • $455 Program Fee – Each delegation determines how program fees are to be collected.  At registration, you may be prompted to pay the full fee, pay a deposit with the remainder being collected by your delegation, or register without payment.  For those delegations that have chosen to have the State Office collect fees, payment options include Digital Check, Credit Card and Affirm payment.  Local delegations may include additional fees to cover transportation or meals.

  • Digital Signature Required – Both students and their parent/guardian will provide acknowledgement of the code of conduct, photo & video release, data collection and medical consent.

  • Know your role – Students will choose their preferred role at registration. Students can explore role options above and confirm with their Advisor.

  • Know your State Senator and Representative – Students will be asked to provide your specific State Senator and State Representative.  Take the time before registration to discuss with your child.

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.

YOUTH PROTECTION

Illinois YMCA Youth and Government remains steadfast in its longstanding commitment to participant safety by continuously evaluating, refining, and implementing policies and procedures that promote a safe environment for every participant.