Kansas YMCA Youth and Government (YAG) is a student-driven simulation of state government, which involves Kansas youth in grades 9-12. Beginning in the fall of each year, students come together in their local delegations to choose their roles, register for YAG, and prepare for the State Conference. At the YAG State Conference, students create their version of state government. All YAG participants in Kansas come together at the State Capitol. Legislators meet in committees and in the House and Senate chambers to debate legislation. The Governor reviews to determine what bills to sign and which to veto. Participants also engage in campaigns and elections for presiding officers who will serve during the following year.
The registration fee is $50/student. However, students are encouraged to fill out the Financial Assistance Application if they in any way view the fee as a barrier to access.
Conference Dates
- Sunday October 25th, 2026 from 3:00-5:30pm (Committee Debate Sessions, Online)
- Monday November 2nd, 2026 from 8:30am-5:00pm (Chamber Debate Sessions and PO Elections, State Capitol)
Key Dates & Deadlines
| August 24th, 2026 | October 5th, 2026 | October 19th, 2026 |
| Registration Opens Financial Assistance Application Opens | Registration Due Financial Assistance Application Due Bill Submission Form Opens Leadership Form Opens Candidate Filing Opens | Fees Due Bills Due Leadership Form Due Candidate Filing Due Safety/Conduct Forms Due |
Registration, Applications, and Forms
- Student Delegate Registration Form (Opens August 24th)
- Adult Advisor Registration Form (Opens August 24th)
- Financial Assistance Application Due (Opens August 24th)
- Bill Submission Form (Opens October 5th)
- Leadership Form (Opens October 5th)
- Candidate Filing Form (Opens October 5th)
Program Resources
This folder contains the resources advisors and students will need in order to navigate the program, including:
- Advisor Resources – Program and Advisor Guides, helpful in elaborating on many of the details in this presentation
- Legislative Curriculum – All slides, activities, and teaching instructions
- Legislative Resources – Guides, handouts, and rules surrounding the legislature, often referenced and used within the curriculum as well as the State Conference
- Safety and Conduct Forms – Forms for easy and early access, due to conference organizers by October 25th
Have questions or want to get involved? Fill out the interest form below, or email Civic Engagement Program Manager Jim Welty (jim@moymca.org)
