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!