High School students (grades 9-12) can apply to represent Rhode Island at several national YMCA programs and events. These national experiences have different requirements and deadlines, so please review the steps listed below each opportunity.
Sponsored by YMCA of the USA, this four-month program brings up to 2 high school students per state to YMCA National Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C. to meet with their Members of Congress and advocate for policy solutions that help Ys address critical issues in our three areas of impact: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Learn More & Apply Here
Check the application for this year’s deadlines
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.
Learn More & Apply Here
Check the application for this year’s deadlines
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.
Submit CONA Application or Nomination
Check the form for this year’s deadlines
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).
Submit NJC Application or Nomination
Check the form for this year’s deadlines
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 assembly, the Youth Governor of Rhode Island represents the state at the Youth Governors Conference in Washington, D.C. each June.
Learn More Here
Check the conference page for this year’s dates.