Youth in Government

What is YIG?
The South Carolina YMCA Youth in Government program is a branch of the YMCA of Greenville, offering programs and conferences for middle and high school students statewide.  The South Carolina YMCA Youth in Government program is one of 49 programs nationally. The South Carolina program is one of the largest per-capita in the nation, with more than 1,500 high school students involved in programs and conferences annually. 

What is the Model Legislature Conference? The cornerstone conference of YIG is our High School Model Legislature and Court. This legislative conference takes place in Columbia, with students serving as representatives, senators, and other roles to create a model state legislature. Students use the actual House and Senate chambers in the South Carolina Statehouse, as well as the committee rooms and courtrooms.  The high school conference is three nights and four days.

How do students participate? Students participate by joining the Youth in Government club and attending weekly meetings. Through this process, students learn how to research, draft, and present legislation, mirroring the real-life experiences of lawmakers. These simulations foster critical thinking, negotiation skills, and the ability to articulate and defend their ideas in a professional setting.

YIG places a strong emphasis on leadership development. Students have the opportunity to run for state-wide leadership positions within the program, such as governor, lieutenant governor, or speaker of the house. These positions require students to demonstrate strong leadership qualities, including effective communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills.

What do delegates do at the Conference?  While at the conference, students participate in a simulation of South Carolina's democratic process. Acting as Senators and Representatives, students write, debate and vote on legislation. As candidates and lobbyists, students experience the rich spectrum of activity that constitutes our political process. As media delegates, students create and publish a nightly newspaper. As attorneys and justices, students argue and judge a legal case. Officers elected by students serve as Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House, Attorney General and Secretary of State. 

Where do students stay during the conference? The high school conference is based out of the Marriot in Columbia, with other overflow hotels (the Hilton, the Sheraton, the Clarion, etc.). Students are housed four to a room, with adult chaperons roomed on the same floor as the students. YMCA staff and volunteers assist with chaperoning, and provide late-night supervision to ensure the safety of all participants. 

What is the cost?
The Wade Hampton Club dues are $100. This covers travel,  printing, t-shirt, sub fees, and other club expenses.

The conference fee for high school participants is $500 per student which may be paid in two or three installments. This fee covers all conference fees and lodging. The YMCA and Wade Hampton High School are committed to the practice of working with families to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation. Scholarship assistance is available to students who otherwise would not be able to participate. 

What are the dates? The high school conference is November 5-8, 2025. 

                                                                        YMCA Scholarship Application
                          This scholarship is awarded by the Greenville YMCA and only covers the conference fee.

                                                                                               WHHS Scholarship Application