Apply for National Programs

High School students can apply to represent Massachusetts at several national YMCA programs and events. These national experiences have different requirements and deadlines, so please review the steps listed below each opportunity.

YMCA Changemakers Projects

High school students in all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico are invited to propose a YMCA Changemakers Project that addresses a critical issue or need in their communities. YMCA of the USA will select outstanding proposals from across the country to compete for funding to implement their projects.

The issue/need you select is entirely up to you, but should be directly connected to your local community. Each project must be led by two (2) student project leaders. Additional students from your community are encouraged to support the project, but only two students can apply as leaders.

• All high school students (grades 9-12) in all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico are eligible to submit a project proposal (all proposals must have 2 project leaders). No prior experience or participation with the Y or YMCA programs is required.
• Proposals selected to compete for funding will be notified following the application deadline.

Learn More & Apply Here
Check the application for this year’s deadlines

YMCA Youth Governors Conference

The YMCA Youth Governors Conference brings together high school students serving as the Youth Governor (or equivalent Presiding Officer role) of their YMCA Youth and Government state programs.

After being elected at our High School Assembly, the Youth Governor of Massachusetts represents the state at the Youth Governors Conference in Washington, D.C. each June.

• Students are eligible to run for Governor at our High School Assembly during their junior year, and must complete the forms required to become a candidate.
• If elected, the Youth Governor commits to attending the Youth Governors Conference in D.C. in June and representing Massachusetts until the election of their successor.

Learn More Here
Check the conference page for this year’s dates.

National Judicial Competition (NJC)

The National Judicial Competition brings together teams of students from Youth and Government programs around the country to compete in either Mock Trial or Appellate Court hearings. This multi-day event is hosted annually by one of our state programs around the country (see conference page for current host and competition location).

• All students who attend our High School Youth Assembly are eligible to represent Massachusetts at NJC. Students are evaluated based on delegation involvement, performance at assembly, leadership ability, and demonstrating the Y’s four core values.
• If you are interested in representing Massachusetts, you can apply for consideration. If you are an advisor and would like to recommend students, you can submit them for consideration.

Submit NJC Application (Coming Soon)
Submit NJC Advisor Recommendation (Coming Soon)

Conference on National Affairs(CONA)

Every summer, Youth and Government programs from across the country come together to participate at the Conference on National Affairs. This weeklong conference is held in July at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in North Carolina. Delegates come together to debate proposals of national importance.

All students who participate in the Youth Assembly conference are eligible to attend CONA. Students are chosen based on delegation involvement, performance at conference, leadership ability, and demonstrating the Y’s four core values. If you are interested in representing Massachusetts, please apply for consideration. If you are an advisor and would like to recommended your student, please submit your student for consideration. Delegates will be chosen at the closing session at state conference.