What is the purpose of the YMCA Youth in Government program?
The Idaho YMCA Youth in Government is an in-depth educational program that teaches high school students how to be active citizens through a nine-month, interactive experience where they directly participate in the processes of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the Idaho State Government.
Youth in Government offers the opportunity for young people to:
- Research national and international concerns
- Organize this information into a document proposal
- Engage in intensive discussion
- Debate these proposals with peers from other states
In a state as geographically, economically, and politically diverse as Idaho, we believe that it is our responsibility to teach our future leaders the importance of effectively participating in governing our state.
In 2018-2019 256 students from 14 high schools and one YMCA delegate participated in Youth in Government.
Idaho’s YMCA Youth in Government program is open to high school students (grades 9–12) in every community in Idaho. Youth delegations must represent either a school or YMCA group.
2023 Elected Offices »
Regional Conference Youth Supreme Court Memo and Case »
Regional Conference Registration »
Risk Waiver and Code of Conduct Forms »
2023 Youth in Government State Session, April 26 & 27
April 26 & 27, 2023
State Registration »
Submit Bills Here »
Legislative Schedule »
Youth Supreme Court Schedule »
State Session Bill Book »
Opening Ceremony Script »
Closing Ceremony Script »
House Script »
Senate Script »
CONTACT:
Treasure Valley YMCA Youth and Teen Coordinator
Phone: 208 344 5502 ext. 203
2022-2023 Idaho Youth in Government State Committee Members
- Hon. Judge Jessica Lorello
- Hon. Justice Joel Horton
- Hon. Judge Laurie Fortier
- Phil Reberger
- Dr. Ross Burkhart
- Cindy Wilson
- Cheryl Adams
- Sam Bellis
- John Rutten-Turner
Youth Supreme Court Teams
- Student Handbook
- Regionals Conference Schedule
- Advisor Handbook
- Youth Supreme Court Handbook
- Workshop I Materials
- Workshop II Materials
- Youth Supreme Court Workshop
- Bill Format
- Bill Template
- Bill Testimony
- Legislator’s Guide to Parliamentary Procedure
- Committee Procedures
- Elected Offices Guidelines
- Idaho Legislature
- Idaho Supreme Court
Coming soon!
Coming Soon!
2023 Conference on National Affairs, July 1-6 2023:
The 2023 YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs (CONA) is being held at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina. The estimated cost of the entire trip is $1,500 per delegate (this includes conference fee, airfare, and ground transportation cost). Financial Assistance will be available for those who wish to apply, please reach out to the state director for more information.
This program is proudly funded by:
