High school students sitting in Minnesota State Capitol's house chamber

Youth in Government

Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government (YIG) is a youth-led, experiential learning opportunity, where students in 8th-12th grade get the opportunity to act as state leaders, debate current issues, and build leadership skills. YIG starts in September, with local meetings for ECCS students and ends with a 4-day conference at the beginning of January, where 1500+ students from across the state come together to participate in their own student-led, mock state government.

Students are expected to attend and actively participate in delegation meetings, complete and turn in assigned program area work on time, and practice presenting their conference materials (bills, court arguments, etc.) in advance. Delegates will have time to work during meetings, but should plan for some preparation to be done in their own time.

Registration is required through Community Education and the YMCA of the North.

ECCS' Delegation has a unique link to register through the YMCA - please use this link to ensure that you are not charged more than once. Due to the YMCA's registration system requirements, you will have to add a credit card to your account, but it will not be charged at any point.

Required Events:

LAUNCH Training | Saturday, October 31st, 2026
Time: 10 AM to 3:30 PM*
Location: Fridley High School
6000 West Moore Lake Drive
Fridley, MN 55432

YIG Conference | Thursday, January 7, 2027 to Sunday, January 10, 2027
Time: 10 AM Thursday to 4 PM Sunday*
Location: Hilton Hotel in downtown Minneapolis & the Minnesota State Capitol Complex

*Times listed are subject to change. Once the location is confirmed for LAUNCH, times will be adjusted accordingly to accommodate travel time. Transportation will be provided to and from these events; students will meet at Chaska High School.