For questions about conference components, debate, bill writing, or research, please check out our YIG Resources page!
What are some first steps?
1. Contact the advisor at your school to make sure you are able to attend. If your school doesn’t have an advisor, or you don’t know who your advisor is, you can contact Stella London (slondon@tennesseecce.org).
2. Register for the conference your school attends during the registration window. If you visit our middle or high school Youth in Government pages and click on your conference, you will find registration links.
What are the conference fees and is financial aid available?
Cost per delegate differs by school. However, for high school conferences, each delegate will pay a $175 delegate fee and a portion of the hotel fee, which normally totals to around $350. Delegates who drop after the final deadline are still responsible for their delegate fee and any hotel costs the school incurs.
For our middle school conferences, cost varies by location – please consult the manuals on each conference page for fee informaiton.
Financial Aid is available! Every year, the CCE gives out more than $100,000 in financial aid to students who would not otherwise be able to afford the conference fees. You can apply for financial aid online here.
What are the deadlines?
Deadlines are different for each conference. Please check the conference specific page on High School Youth in Government or Middle School Youth in Government
What is the dress code?
Dress code for the conference is business attire.
Business attire includes: Suits, dresses, long skirts, blouses or sweaters, blazers, slacks, and appropriate dress shoes.
Business attire does NOT include:
There will also be two nights at the conference where more casual, Y-appropriate clothes are allowed.
What is the theme for the dance?
This year, the theme for the dance will be announced prior to the conference!
Who runs YIG?
While the conference is planned by YMCA CCE Staff members, the conferences are run by a team of student-elected high school officers. They will preside over chambers, serve on the Supreme Court, and lead components like the Governor’s Cabinet, Lobbyists, or Press.
How can I get involved in conference leadership?
There are many opportunities for students to run for office. Consult the Conference Manual for a list of these opportunities and eligibility requirements, and the Election Guidelines for further regulations. Some offices do not require previous conference experience before running.
What should I bring to the Conference?
Consult our suggested packing list!
Should I bring money?
The only thing you need money for will be your meals. You will need to purchase 8 meals in downtown Nashville, though we encourage delegates to bring granola bars, cereal, etc. to offset breakfast costs.
Merch will be for sale throughout the conference: T-Shirts for $20, Sweatshirts for $30, and sometimes specialty merch items. Pizza can also be ordered through the CCE for delivery at curfew for $10 each. If you wish to purchase any of these optional items, you may want to bring extra money.
All of the proceeds raised via donations contribute to the CCE Scholarship fund, which allows more than 750 students to attend the conference who would not otherwise be able to afford the conference.
Can family or friends watch?
Yes! We encourage family members or friends to cheer their student on during