Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA
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Step Into Leadership. Shape the Future.

Nebraska Youth and Government (YAG) is where high school students turn their ideas into action and their voices into impact. This statewide civic leadership program gives students the chance to write real bills, debate real issues, and serve in mock legislative roles, all in an immersive, hands-on experience that brings democracy to life.

Open to grades 9–12, this program empowers teens to lead with confidence, collaborate with peers, and discover how their perspective can change their community.

Program Information

Who It’s For

  • High school students in grades 9–12
  • Teens who are curious about leadership, law, policy, public speaking, advocacy, or government
  • Students looking to build college-ready skills and make meaningful connections

What Students Do

  • Draft and present original legislation
  • Debate issues that matter to them
  • Serve as senators, representatives, journalists, judges, or executive officers
  • Attend statewide trainings and preparation sessions
  • Experience a full day at the Nebraska State Conference at YMCA Camp Kitaki (March 28 | 8:30am–4:30pm)

Key Dates – Spring 2026

  • January 12: Registration opens for the State Conference
  • March 2: Student registration, adult registration & financial assistance applications due
  • March 16: Bills, registration fee, and safety/conduct forms due
  • March 28: Nebraska State Conference at YMCA Camp Kitaki

Program Information

  • $50 per student (covers lunch, YAG merch, and conference entry)

What Students Should Bring

  • Notebook and pen
  • Any prepared speeches or research
  • Optional: laptop/phone (Wi-Fi available at conference site)
APPLY TODAY!

Why Students Love Youth & Government

Benefits for Teens

  • Build confidence in public speaking
  • Strengthen writing, critical thinking, and leadership skills
  • Engage in real-world problem solving
  • Explore careers in law, government, policy, journalism, and civics
  • Meet peers from across Nebraska
  • Gain experience that stands out on college and scholarship applications

Why Parents Choose the Y

  • A safe, structured, well-supported learning environment
  • A values-driven program rooted in responsibility, integrity, and service
  • Caring adult advisors and statewide YMCA support
  • Accessible pricing with financial assistance available
  • A program with decades of proven impact—Nebraska YAG dates back to 1947

Ready to Lead? Apply Today.

Give your student the chance to learn, grow, and thrive through hands-on leadership. Nebraska Youth and Government helps teens discover their purpose—and their power to make change.

👉 APPLY ONLINE
👉 Have questions? Email: [email protected]

Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA
601 Riverview Dr., South Sioux City, NE 68776
+1-402-404-8439