2026 State Conference

May 16th, 2026 | 8:30am-4:30pm
State Historical Society of Iowa | 600 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50319

The 2026 Iowa Youth and Government State Conference invites middle school students (grades 7-8) 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.

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, Iowa 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, April 13^th – Registration and Financial Assistance Applications Due
• Monday, May 4^th – Bill Filing, Fee Payment, Leadership Forms, & Safety/Conduct Forms Due

Registration and Sign-Up Forms

• Financial Assistance Application (will be posted on Monday, February 23^rd)
• Student Registration Form (will be posted on Monday, February 23^rd)
• Adult Registration Form (will be posted on Monday, February 23^rd)
• Bill Submission Form (will be posted on Monday, April 13^th)

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 May 4^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:
  • Thursday, February 19^th @6:00pm via Zoom
  • Wednesday, March 11^th @6:00pm via Zoom
  • Thursday, April 2^nd @6:00pm via Zoom