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 NWNC 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
North Carolina YAG
More information on North Carolina's YMCA Youth and Government program.
Financial Scholarships
If you need financial assistance, you can apply through our Open Doors Financial Assistance program.
State Conference
February 11-14
The $690 cost covers conference events, hotel and select meals. Students can file for State Financial Aid and must be completed by October 31, 2026.
State Registration Financial Aid
Fill out as soon as possible. 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'. Click here for the application.
The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina provides transportation and advisor support. The local cost is $200, paid through local registration link. Students will pay a $50 registration fee when they register (non-refundable). After registration, $150 will be due by January 15, 2027.
Click here to pay the transportation fee.
Students can file for local registration financial aid and must be completed by November 30, 2026. Click here.
Western Region Pre Conference
This will be held at Early College of Forsyth on October 10, 2026 from 9:00am-1:00pm.