The Youth in Government (YIG) program helps to create the next generation of good citizens. Through our programs, we demystify local, state and national governmental systems so tomorrow's adults will know how to effect change within these systems. We expand horizons so young people will understand their role within a global society.
The program uses the service-learning model in the firm belief that leadership is developed by doing. High school students help provide leadership for our middle school programs, while college students -- alumni of the Youth in Government program -- provide leadership for our high school programming. All programs are guided and directed by committed adult volunteers and YMCA professional staff.
YIG scholarships are available!
Click Here to Apply for YIG Scholarship (Middle School)
Click Here to Apply for YIG Scholarship (High School)
Pawleys Island Leadership Conference (September 23-25)
YIG Documents
High School Bill Submission Form
High School Media Delegate Application
Middle School Registration Form
Middle School Bill Submission Form
Mock Trial Presiding Judge Application
If you are interested in starting a Youth in Government Program at your school, e-mail our Executive Director, Mary Capers Bledsoe at mcbledsoe@ymcagreenville.org.
Middle School Youth in Government
Middle School Model Legislature
The culmination of the Youth in Government program is the annual Model Legislature. This conference provides delegates an opportunity to learn how to solve community problems through the democratic process as well as debate and discuss issues with their peers from throughout South Carolina. Over 500 middle school students participate in this three-day conference annually.
When and where is the conference held?
The conference is held each year in Columbia, SC. The 2022 conference dates are November 13th-15th. Students meet in the Statehouse and use the administrative buildings on the Statehouse grounds. At night, all students conduct all activities at local conference hotels.
What do delegates do at the Conference?
While at the conference, students participate in a simulation of South Carolina's democratic process. Acting as Senators and Representatives, students write, debate and vote on legislation. As candidates, students experience the rich spectrum of activity that constitutes our political process. As media delegates, students publish a newspaper. Officers elected by students serve as Governor, Lt. Governor, and Speaker of the House.
Apply to run for 2022 Elected Office Positions!
How much is the conference?
The Youth in Government MSML conference is approximately $360/delegate. This includes all conference materials, hotel fees and two meals. Need-based scholarships are available. For the spring 2021 conference, schools and families may elect to put two, three, or four students per room. The cost will be adjusted accordingly.
How do students participate?
Students traditionally participate in the Youth in Government program through their school or another community group.
High School Youth in Government
WHAT IS SC YIG?
South Carolina YMCA Youth in Government is a year-round series of conferences, trainings, volunteer opportunities and other events. All program components help high school students learn to take their passion and enthusiasm for strengthening our state and nation by joining with other students through civic engagement and active democracy.
Fall Programs Include:
*Service Saturdays – one-day service projects across the state, guided and led by students, in partnership with organizations and groups in local communities.
* Elections and Convention – virtual town halls with YIG delegations and student candidates, culminating in hybrid in-person/virtual convention in December to nominate candidates to move into spring general elections.
* Pawleys Island Planning Conference – September 23-25. Select group of students will gather to help set goals, make recommendations, and plan for 2022 Youth in Government program.
* CARE – Connect, Advocate, Reflect, Engage – A hybrid program to connect delegates with adult elected officials, field experts, and mentors, to teach them to take their specific interests and passions and become effective advocates. Includes support to present individual projects, with the opportunity to receive seed funding to implement projects.
MODEL LEGISLATURE AND COURT
Model Legislature & Court Conference (ML&C) is the culmination of YIG participation. ML&C brings together students from across the state for a hands-on opportunity to experience democracy by creating a model state legislature and judicial system. The conference provides delegates an opportunity to learn how to solve community problems through the democratic process, as well as debate and discuss issues with their peers from throughout South Carolina. More than 1,500 high school students participate in this three-day conference annually.
When and where is the conference held?
The conference takes place in Columbia, SC. The dates of the 2022 conference are November 2nd-5th. During the day, students are at the Statehouse, the Supreme Court, or other downtown conference spaces. At night, all activities are at conference hotels and/or other downtown conference spaces.
What do delegates do at the Conference?
While at the conference, students participate in a simulation of South Carolina's democratic process. Acting as Senators and Representatives, students write, debate and vote on legislation. As candidates and lobbyists, students experience the rich spectrum of activity that constitutes our political process. As media delegates, students create and publish a nightly newspaper. As attorneys and justices, students compete on mock trial teams, or on moot court teams (appellate). Officers elected by students serve as Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Secretary of Education and Comptroller General.
How much is the conference?
The Youth in Government ML&C conference is approximately $450/delegate. This includes all conference materials, all fall activities except the Pawleys Planning Conference, hotel fees, and transportation at the conference. Need-based scholarships are available. NOTE: For the Spring 2021 YIG conference, schools/delegates will have the option of putting two, three, or four students per room, with the hotel fees adjusted accordingly.
How do students participate?
Students traditionally participate in the Youth in Government program through their school or another community group.
Election Information
Elections
Follow link to updated 2022 Election Guideline Document
Email Mary Capers Bledsoe for more information.
YIG Service Committee
*NEW* Apply here to be part of the YIG Service Committee! Members will help plan and implement new Service Saturdays across the state.
Support Our Annual Campaign
Support our Annual Campaign!
- All donors will be listed on our website, on our social media, and in our Program Guide!
Join Our Alumni Network
Are you a YIG alumnus? Join our network to continue to be part of our work.
THANK YOU TO OUR TEEN SERVICES DONORS
Thank you to our donors, without whom we would not be able to do fulfill our mission of not turning anyone away for a lack of ability to pay. Our donors help support our Youth in Government Scholarship Campaign and the Achievers program.