2026 State Conference

March 28th, 2026 | 8:30am-4:30pm
YMCA Camp Kitaki | 14917 E Park Hwy, Louisville, NE 68037

The 2026 Nebraska Youth and Government State Conference invites high school students from across the state to step directly into the world of civic leadership. At this hands-on mock legislature, every participant authors an original bill prior to the event and then debates, amends, and votes on student-written legislation during a full day of structured parliamentary sessions. Students will also take part in our Spring Election, where delegates select the next slate of three Presiding Officers, and many participants will gain real leadership experience by serving as Committee Chairs and Clerks.

The fee to participate is $50/student, which includes a provided lunch, YAG merch, and their entry fee. Students who’s economic circumstances may prevent them from attending the conference are encouraged to fill out the Financial Assistance Application for the chance to earn full or partial scholarships.

To ensure students and advisors feel confident and prepared, Nebraska YAG provides free curriculum resources, step-by-step training, and classroom-ready materials that make it easy to bring civic engagement to life.

Scroll down to explore everything you need to get started, including key conference dates, registration forms, bill-writing tools, and shareable outreach resources that help you introduce Nebraska Youth and Government to your school and community.

Have questions or want to get involved? Fill out the interest form below, or email Civic Engagement Program Manager Jim Welty (jim@moymca.org)

Key Dates & Deadlines

• Monday, March 2^nd – Registration and Financial Assistance Applications Due
• Monday, March 16^th – Bill Filing, Fee Payment, Leadership Forms, & Safety/Conduct Forms Due

Registration and Sign-Up Forms

• Financial Assistance Application (will be posted on Monday, January 12^th)
• Student Registration Form (will be posted on Monday, January 12^th)
• Adult Registration Form (will be posted on Monday, January 12^th)
• Bill Submission Form (will be posted on Monday, March 2^nd)
• Leadership Form (will be posted on Monday, March 2^nd)
  • View student leadership opportunities here.

Program Resources

• Resource Drive – 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 March 16^th

• Advisor Training – Each of the training dates offered here will give a 45 minute rundown of the program, live on Zoom with the State Conference Director Jim Welty. Once you RSVP here, you’ll receive a link to the Zoom invite. The training dates are:
  • Monday, January 12^th @6:00pm via Zoom
  • Tuesday, January 27^th @6:00pm via Zoom
  • Tuesday, February 10^th @7:00pm via Zoom
  • Thursday, February 26^th @7:00pm via Zoom

• Student Trainings – In addition to the assistance from their advisor in navigating the program, we also offer two different training sessions for students interested in learning more about how to be a successful YAG delegate. Once you RSVP here, you’ll receive a link to the Zoom invite. The training dates are:
  • Bill Drafting Workshop – Monday, March 9^th @7:00pm via Zoom
  • Debate Best Practices – Tuesday, March 23^rd @7:00pm via Zoom