Welcome to the YMCA MYIG High School Program
The YMCA Michigan Youth in Government High School Program is a student-run, student-led leadership experience where high school students don’t just learn about democracy – they practice it. Throughout the program year, students explore government, law, media and public policy by taking on authentic leadership roles and collaborating with peers from across Michigan.
The year begins with regional Fall Training Conferences where students build skills, prepare for their roles and connect with nearby delegations. It culminates with our annual Spring Conference in Lansing, where students bring Michigan’s government to life through debate, mock trials, journalism, executive leadership, lobbying and more.
Guided by our motto, “Democracy must be learned by each generation,” the High School Program offers something for every student, regardless of their interests or future career goals.
Important 2026 – 2027 Dates
Delegation Leadership Retreat
(DLR)
2026 Date:
August 13th – 16th
Fall Conference
(Choose One)
2026 Dates:
- District 1: October 20th @ Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI
- District 2: October 23rd @ Kirkland Community College in Grayling, MI
- District 3: October 9th @ Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI
- District 4: October 2nd @ Delta College in Saginaw, MI
- District 5: October 16th @ Kalamazoo Valley Community College in Kalamazoo, MI
- District 6: November 9th @ Wayne State University in Detroit, MI
Registration closes two weeks prior to the event.
Feb. Lansing Conference
(Choose Feb. or April)
2027 Date:
February 18th – 21st, 2027 @ Lansing Center in Lansing, MI
Deadlines:
- Regular Registration: November 10th – December 27th
- Late Registration ($25 Additional Fee): December 28th – January 13th
- Drop Deadline (last day to drop with a refund): January 15th, 2027
April Lansing Conference
(Choose Feb. or April)
2027 Date:
April 22nd – 25th, 2027 @ Lansing Center in Lansing, MI
Deadlines:
- Regular Registration: November 10th – February 28th
- Late Registration ($25 Additional Fee): March 1st – March 17th
- Drop Deadline (last day to drop with a refund): March 19th, 2027
Lansing Conference Resources:
- Student Code of Conduct
- Background Check (for any students who will be 18 or older at the conference. Select “volunteer.”)
- Packing List for Conference
- Dress Code Guide
- Sample Bill Book
Program Area Choices:
- Legislature
- National Issues Forum (NIF)
- Model Judiciary Program (MJP) – Limit of 2 teams per delegation. Advisors must submit a team confirmation form.
- Lobbyist – Limit of 2 students per delegation. Applications will open in Fall 2026.
- Press – Limit of 2 students per delegation. Applications will open in Fall 2026.
- Governor’s Cabinet
- Legislative Oversight – This is an add-on program, so students wanting to participate will also take part in another program area.
- Secretary of State – Max of 5 total SOS Assistants. Applications will open in Fall 2026.
Joining YMCA Michigan Youth in Government
Are you interested in joining YMCA Michigan Youth in Government? YMCA MYIG is either based out of schools or YMCA’s. Refer to the map to see if your school/YMCA currently participates.
If your school or YMCA doesn’t participate, reach out to [email protected] to get a delegation started!