Youth & Government
Youth & Government is a high school age “hands-on” leadership experience in State Government. Our goal is to empower teens to learn how to make an impact on their community. Youth and Government, or YAG, is a great fit for teens who want to see and enact change in the world, or, simply meet more people and have fun. In addition to looking great on a resume, Youth and Government teaches critical thinking skills, networking skills, teamwork, and strives to build self esteem. The highlight of the program is a weekend long trip to Raleigh where the students take control of the mock state government. With many opportunities to grow within the program, students can serve as legislators, attorneys, judges, lobbyists, budget analysts, journalists, photographers, and more. Elected positions are available as well. By allowing teens to become decision makers, they not only learn how the world around them works but also how to make a real difference.
YMCA of Northwest North Carolina serves the following schools:
- Calvary Day School
- Carver
- Davie
- Early College of Forsyth
- Forsyth Country Day
- Mount Tabor
- Reagan
- Reynolds
- Salem Academy
- West Forsyth
- West Stokes
Follow us on Instagram @ymcanwnc_yag
See your adviser for your delegation’s assigned volunteer events.
Questions? Please contact Shannon Boles at s.boles@ymcanwnc.org
State Conference Information
February 11-14, 2026
The state conference costs $690.00. Click here to register. The cost covers the conference events, hotel, and select meals.
Students can file for State Registration Financial Aid and must be completed by October 31, 2026. Fill out as soon as possible! Financial Assistance applications are now open! We are excited for an updated process. Applications close October 31 or when all funds have been distributed. Financial assistance is "first come first serve" so encourage your delegates to apply early to maximize scholarship potential. Delegates may apply for financial assistance before registering for Conference. When applying, select your YMCA (or select 'YMCA at Meadowmont' or 'YMCA State Office' if you are not affiliated with the YMCA of the Triangle) from the drop-down menu and be sure to list your YMCA/school delegation name in the 'Your Story' section before beginning to tell your story. For 'program information', select 'Youth & Government.'
