Skip To Main Content

Youth in Government

Interested in discussing important current issues and simulating state government? Then Youth in Government (YIG) is for you!

The program starts in late fall when students in grades 8-12 join a YIG delegation. Students can choose to serve as legislators, judges, attorneys, lobbyists, media representatives, or cabinet members. Eighth-grade students start by participating as a member of the Leadership Corps. As a group, students work together to prepare materials for their program areas, listen to speakers, and practice their presentation skills.

In October, delegates from all over the state meet with their local delegation to plan for the four-day conference that takes place in early January at the Minneapolis Hilton and the St. Paul Capitol Complex.

Information Meetings for Fall 2025
Attend an information session on one of the dates below!

Kenwood Trail Middle School, Auditorium
Tues, Sept 16, 7-8 pm

Lakeville North High School, Lecture Hall, C211
Thurs, Sept 18, 7-8 pm

Lakeville South High School, Lecture Hall, D202
Tues, Sept 23, 7-8 pm

YIG 2025-26 Calendar
2025-26 YIG Calendar

Youth In Government Information
What is YIG? View the GENERAL INFORMATION sheet to find out more

Registration Information and Forms for YIG

Follow these steps to register:
*All students must register with Lakeville Area Community Education and the YMCA.

  1. Register with Community Ed HERE
  2. Register with the YMCA at https://www.ymcanorth.org/locations/center_for_youth_voice/programs/youth_in_government/register. Registration for YMCA is $539 ( September 3-October 1) and $559 (October 2-October 29) 

Registration Closes: October 29

Please review the YMCA refund and cancellation policy at: https://www.ymcanorth.org/locations/center_for_youth_voice/programs/youth_in_government/register

If you have trouble with the YMCA site, please contact their Customer Service Center at (612) 230-9622.

Fee Assistance Available
Fee Assistance with the YMCA
Fee Assistance through Lakeville Area Community Education

Resources

More Questions?

Model United Nations

Grades 7-12

Model United Nations (Model UN) is a hands-on civic learning program where students take on the role of diplomat from one of 193 countries, engage in respectful discussions about the state of the world, and explore solutions to international challenges.

The program starts in late Jan/early Feb when students join or form a delegation at their school. Delegations meet regularly to research countries, prepare for program areas, and practice presentation skills.

In early March, delegates from all over the state come together for our in-person LAUNCH event to help prepare for the three-day conference in late March.

In April, more than 500 delegates from all over the state will come together in downtown Minneapolis for the annual Model UN conference, where they meet in program area groups to discuss and debate global issues, pass resolutions, form diplomatic alliances, and draft legal opinions while practicing cooperation and diplomacy.


Model UN is a school run club and is not run through Community Education, but YIG and MUN have many of the same leaders and students.

For more info on MUN please contact Josh Broom, jgb2016@gmail.com