Youth in Government (Grades 8-12) and Model United Nations (Grades 7-12)

Since 1946, students from across the state have participated in Youth in Government (YIG), an immersive, experiential program that seeks to develop civically engaged students through a simulated government experience. In partnership with the YMCA of the North and the YMCA Center for Youth Voice, Northfield sends a delegation annually to two major Youth Government Conferences: Youth in Government and Model United Nations. These conferences encourage students to find their voice by spending their days drafting bills, arguing court cases, or debating passionately with their peers, and then spend evenings making new friends and connections with students all around the state. Having civically engaged students in our communities is so important, and why we believe fully in the Youth in Government motto:

"Democracy must be learned by each generation"

It's Officially Youth in Government Season!

Students in YIG aren't spectators; they elect their own leaders, debate their own ideas, and support policies and laws that highlight their values.

The program starts in the fall when students in grades 8-12 join the Northfield Youth in Government Delegation. As a delegation, students will meet regularly to learn about state government, practice skills, select a program area, and prepare for the conference. High school students will choose to serve as legislators, judges, attorneys, lobbyists, media representatives, or cabinet members. Eighth grade students participate as members of the Leadership Corps where they experience and explore all of the YIG program areas.

On Saturday, October 25th, delegates from all over the state attend an in-person pre-conference training event called LAUNCH to help prepare for the four-day conference in January. LAUNCH is a great way to experience what YIG is all about; students will get to experience and learn through breakout training sessions, socialize with students from other schools and delegations, and get a taste of the Conference experience!

All school year, the delegation meetings and trainings lead to the Youth in Government Conference. On Thursday, January 8, 2026, to Sunday, January 11, 2026, delegations from across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin will come together at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Minneapolis and the Minnesota State Capitol to convene the 72nd annual Minnesota Youth in Government session!

Interested in the YIG Experience? Explore and Register Here!

2025-2026 Conference: Important Dates to Know

Wednesday, September 3rd: Early Registration Window opens on the CYV Website! Check out the link above for access to the registration details and more.
Wednesday, October 1st: Last day to register with the early registration discount.
Saturday, October 25th: Youth in Government LAUNCH Pre-Conference Training
- Hosted at Fridley High School (9:30am- 3:30pm). More Details to Come!
Wednesday, October 29th: Registration Deadline for Youth in Government!
Thursday, January 8th - Sunday, January 11th: 2026 Youth in Government Conference (Hosted at the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Minneapolis)

Program Season Overview and Timeline:

Recruitment and Registration: September - October 2025
- Students attend informational meetings, connect with and get to know local delegation leadership, and recruit friends and peers to the program. Once committed, students can register online through the link above!
Materials and Conference Prep: October 2025 - January 2026
- Program Area Assignments are finalized following the Pre-Conference LAUNCH Training.
- During delegation meetings, students will focus on proper debate etiquette and language, researching and preparing conference materials, and submitting materials by assigned deadlines.
  - November 2025: Legislative bills and National Issues Forum proposals due
  - December 2025: Leadership Corps and Courts materials due
- Review packing lists, conference agendas and logistics, conference dress code, and the CYV Code of Conduct. This review of expectations and logistics will be done both during delegation meetings and at mandatory Parent/Guardian Meetings hosted prior to the Conference.

Delegation Meeting Schedule:

Monday, September 29th and Tuesday, September 30th: YIG Informational Sessions ~ Northfield Area Family YMCA Community Room (6:30 - 7:30 PM).
Monday, October 6th: Kickoff Delegation Meeting ~ Northfield High School Cafeteria (7:00 - 8:00 PM).
Monday, October 20th: Delegation Meeting ~ Northfield High School Cafeteria (7:00 - 8:00 PM).
Saturday, October 25th: LAUNCH Pre-Conference Training ~ Fridley High School (10:00 AM - 3:30 PM).
- All students are highly encouraged to attend LAUNCH Training regardless of if they are registered yet! This is the most important training opportunity prior to the conference.
- We will leave as a delegation from Northfield at 8:30 AM; transportation is provided! Students should bring with a notebook and writing utensils and/or a device to access the materials online and a packed lunch or money to purchase lunch from the Food Trucks that will be onsite.
Monday, November 3rd: Delegation Meeting ~ Northfield High School Cafeteria (7:00 - 8:00 PM)
More Dates to come. Keep an eye on our website for updates!