Apply for National Programs

YMCA Youth and Government is a national movement of over 55,000 students participating in YMCA Youth and Government programs around the country.

Each year, representatives or delegations from each of our state programs have the opportunity to attend the following national programs and conferences.

Conference on National Affairs

Every summer, Youth and Government programs from across the country come together to participate at the Conference on National Affairs (CONA). This weeklong conference is held the first week in July at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina. All selected delegates prepare proposals on issues of national importance to present and debate during the conference.

Each state program has a unique process for choosing their CONA Delegations. If you are interested in representing your state at CONA, contact your state program.

National Judicial Competition

The National Judicial Competition (NJC) brings together teams of students from Youth and Government programs around the country to compete in either Appellate Court or Mock Trial 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).

Each state program has a unique process for choosing their NJC teams. If you are interested in representing your state at NJC, contact your state program.

Youth Governors Conference

The YMCA Youth Governors Conference brings together high school students who serve as the Governor (or equivalent Presiding Officer) for their respective YMCA Youth and Government state programs. The conference takes place each June in Washington, D.C.