Wisconsin's Largest Student-Led Delegation
Youth in Government is a national YMCA program for students in grades 7–12 that prepares young people for moral and political leadership through hands-on training in public policy development. Participants research current issues, draft proposals, and present their work at the Model Assembly Session at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Through these experiences, students connect with peers from across the state and discover how collaborative action can create real, meaningful change. The YMCA of the Fox Cities proudly hosts the largest student-driven delegation in Wisconsin — led not by adults, but by student-elected co-presidents.
How It Works
YIG takes a hands-on approach to involving students in all three branches of government. Delegates have the opportunity to participate in the Assembly and Senate, the Supreme Court, and a Press Corps — experiencing the full scope of how policy gets made and debated.
Participation & Involvement
Youth in Government gives students real responsibility across the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. Delegates participate in the Assembly and Senate, the Supreme Court, and a Press Corps, gaining a complete picture of how government functions. Meetings, major decisions, and fundraising initiatives are created and monitored by student-elected co-presidents with the support of adult advisors — so youth voices remain at the center of everything we do.
Time Commitment
The program runs from roughly October through February. The Fox Cities delegation meets weekly on Tuesday evenings from 6:30–8:00 PM at the Appleton YMCA. All participants are expected to attend the majority of meetings and take an active role in fundraising and community service events throughout the program year.
Volunteerism & Community Service
Giving back is woven into the fabric of Youth in Government. All delegates are required to participate in program-run fundraisers throughout the year. The money raised helps offset state fees and programming costs — keeping the program accessible to more students across the Fox Cities. It’s a meaningful way to experience the Y’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in action.
What Students Gain
YIG develops more than civic knowledge — it builds the kind of character, confidence, and real-world skills that stay with students long after the program ends.
Practical Skills
Students develop public speaking, debate, research, and collaboration — skills that serve them in school, careers, and every area of life.
Confidence
Presenting at the State Capitol and engaging with real legislators builds a level of confidence that can’t be taught in a classroom.
Real Connections
Participants meet peers from across Wisconsin who share their interests, forming friendships and professional connections that last.
Civic Voice
YIG empowers students to see that their ideas and opinions matter — and that they have the power to influence real policy and create change.
Become a YIG Advocate
Want to invest in the next generation of Fox Cities leaders? YIG Advocates play a vital role in helping the program thrive. You can promote Youth in Government and encourage students to participate, support the Fox Cities delegation as a guest speaker or community partner, or make a gift to help offset program costs and keep YIG accessible to every student who wants to take part. Every act of support — big or small — makes a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Youth in Government is open to students in grades 7–12. No prior experience in government or public policy is required — just a willingness to learn, lead, and get involved.
The Fox Cities delegation meets weekly on Tuesday evenings from 6:30–8:00 PM at the Appleton YMCA. The program runs from roughly October through February.
The Model Assembly Session is held at the Wisconsin State Capitol, where student delegates present their public policy proposals and participate in legislative, judicial, and press corps proceedings — just like the real thing.
Students are expected to attend the majority of weekly Tuesday meetings and actively take part in fundraising and community service events throughout the program year.
There are program fees associated with Youth in Government, including state fees for the Model Assembly Session. Fundraising efforts throughout the year help offset these costs. Contact us at gro.seiticxofacmy@ofniy for current pricing.
You can support YIG by promoting the program, serving as a guest speaker for the delegation, or making a financial gift at our donation page. Every contribution helps keep this program accessible to more students.
