Join more than 1,000 young leaders from around the state to debate the issues that are important to you! Connect with students and staff to join our Albert Lea YIG delegation.
What is YIG?
The Youth in Government (YIG) program kicks off in the fall when students in grades 8-12 join the Albert Lea YIG Delegation, which is run through the Albert Lea Family YMCA. Delegations 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 start by participating as members of the Leadership Corps, where they will experience all areas of the program to allow them to choose how to continue their YIG journey in high school.
2024-2025 Conference:
Important Dates to Know
Friday, October 11th: Priority registration deadline for the “Early Registration” discount. This deadline applies to all YIG Delegates, returning or new.
Saturday, October 26th: Youth in Government LAUNCH: More Details to Come!
Friday, November 1st: Last day to register for Youth in Government for this program season!
Thursday, January 9th – Sunday, January 12th: 2025 Youth in Government Conference (Hosted at the Hilton Hotel in Minneapolis)
Delegation Meeting Schedule:
- Tuesday, October 1st (4:00 – 5:00pm): YIG Informational Meeting — Albert Lea Family YMCA
- Tuesday, October 8th (4:00 – 5:00pm): Kickoff Delegation Meeting — Albert Lea Family YMCA
- Tuesdays, Oct 15th – Jan 7th (4:00 – 5:00pm): Regular Delegation Meetings — Albert Lea Family YMCA
- No Meetings on December 24th and 31st
- December TBD: Mandatory Parent/Guardian Meeting — To go over details and expectations for Conference
FAQ
Can you tell me more about Conference?
Learn about specific cost and event details Explore and Register Here
Is there Financial Assistance?
Yes! Apply for a scholarship before registering Scholarship Application
Is there homework?
We hold weekly meetings to help students work through their projects, however, depending on their area of focus they may have some homework.
I don’t go to the Albert Lea High School, can I still participate?
Yes! Any student, grades 8-12, from any district (including home school) can join YIG.
Reach out to us with your questions!
yig@ymcaal.org
Good to Know!
You can ride the bus to the YMCA after school. Enjoy a FREE snack and unwind before the Delegation meetings start. After the meeting is over, hang out with us in the gym or teen room. All participants must be picked up no later than 6:30pm.
