YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT

State government in its purest form, led by Ohio and West Virginia’s next generation of public leaders.

Youth in Government takes place each April in Columbus, OH and Charleston, WV. Youth in Government is the ultimate hands-on experience of how state government really works for any high school students in either state. 

Students will participate in a three-day mock simulation of the Executive Branch, Legislative Branch, and Judicial Branch, all of which are lead by elected student officers including a Youth Governor, Chief Justice, Speaker of the House, and President of the Senate. 

Those in the Legislative Branch will have the opportunity to write bills, serve on committees, and debate and pass legislation in the House or Senate. Students in the Judicial Branch will serve as both Supreme Court Justices listening to oral arguments and deciding on new case law, as well as attorneys who get to present their own case to the Supreme Court. The Executive Branch will oversee the weekend’s activities, and provide guidance on legislation to ultimately be signed by the Youth Governor.

Other roles also play a part in the weekend such as the Committee Chairs, Lobbyists, Press Corps, and Pages. 

IMPORTANT INFO

Ohio: April 11-13, 2024

West Virginia: April 25-27, 2024

Participation Agreement:

December 5, 2023

Registration Form:

Ohio – January 28, 2024

West Virginia – February 10, 2024

Affiliated YLA Members pay $295 per student and $175 (double room) or $275 (single room) per adult.

Unaffiliated pay $320 per student and $200 (double room) or $300 (single room) per adult.

Late fees apply if paid after deadline.

Includes 2 nights lodging and breakfast.

  • Business attire
  • Comfortable dress shoes
  • Casual clothing for evening activities
  • Toiletries
  • Money for lunch, dinner, merch, etc.
  • YG materials (bills, cases, schedules)
  • Supplies (pen, pencil, paper)

Ohio: Students stay at the Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square, across the street from the Ohio Statehouse.

West Virginia: Students stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in downtown Charleston. Transportation is provided each day to the WV State Capitol Complex. 

FORMS AND RESOURCES