# Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government

Minnesota students in grades 8-12 run a four-day model state government at the Minnesota State Capitol each January - as legislators, judges, attorneys, lobbyists, and journalists. The 2027 session runs January 7-10.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | YMCA of the North |
| Category | leadership |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 8–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Minneapolis, MN |
| Program dates | 2027-01-07 to 2027-01-10 |
| Apply | https://www.ymcanorth.org/locations/center_for_youth_voice/programs/youth_in_government/register |

## About this program

# Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government

Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government (YIG) is a statewide civic leadership program run by the YMCA of the North's Center for Youth Voice. Students in grades 8-12 join or form a YIG delegation at their school or community organization, meet through the fall to learn state government and draft legislation, and then spend four days each January running a full model state government at the Minnesota State Capitol. The next Model Assembly convenes Thursday, January 7 through Sunday, January 10, 2027, at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Minneapolis and the Minnesota State Capitol.

## What You'll Do

- Join or form a delegation at your school or community organization and prepare through fall meetings
- Choose a program area: Legislature or Courts (grades 9-12), National Issues Forum, Lobbying, or Media (grades 10-12), or Leadership Corps (grade 8)
- Serve as a legislator, judge, attorney, lobbyist, media representative, or cabinet member
- Debate real bills in the actual chambers of the Minnesota State Capitol during the four-day January conference

## Who Should Apply

Minnesota students in grades 8-12; eighth graders start in Leadership Corps while high schoolers pick their branch of government. Students register through their local delegation, and conference registration windows and program fees for 2027 are still listed as TBD, so connect with your delegation or the Center for Youth Voice in the fall.

## Outcomes

Delegates practice public speaking, legislative drafting, and consensus-building in the state's real halls of power, and can advance into statewide elected leadership roles within the program - longstanding preparation for civic and legal careers.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government?

Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government is open to students in grades 8–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government online or in person?

Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government is an in-person program based in Minneapolis, MN.

### How do I apply to Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government?

Apply directly through YMCA of the North's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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