174 Students Attend Michigan Youth in Government Conference in Lansing

The annual civic program brings together over 700 students to simulate state government roles.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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One hundred seventy-four students from southeast Michigan are heading to Lansing for the annual YMCA Michigan Youth in Government conference. The conference runs February 27 and 28 at the Michigan State Capitol and the Lansing Center, with over 700 students from across the state participating in hands-on civic roles like legislators, judges, attorneys, lobbyists, and members of the media.

Why it matters

The Michigan Youth in Government conference provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain firsthand experience in the democratic process and develop leadership skills. By simulating state government, the program helps foster civic engagement and an understanding of how government functions among the next generation of citizens and leaders.

The details

During the two-day conference, students will debate and vote on student-written legislation, argue mock trials, and report on conference activities as part of the simulated state government process. Schools represented include Rochester Adams High School, Cranbrook Kingswood High School, Clarenceville High School, River Rouge High School, Airport High School, Mason Consolidated High School, Saline High School, and Dexter High School, along with participants from the Metro Youth YMCA.

  • The Michigan Youth in Government conference runs February 27 and 28, 2026.
  • The conference activities take place daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside the Michigan State Capitol, with Saturday activities also taking place at the Lansing Center.

The players

YMCA Michigan Youth in Government

The organization that hosts the annual civic program where students simulate state government roles.

Jeff Litten

The YMCA Michigan Youth in Government State Director, who is available for interviews during the event.

Luke Joslyn

The Youth Governor from Caro High School, who is also available for interviews during the conference.

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What they’re saying

“The Michigan Youth in Government conference provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain firsthand experience in the democratic process and develop leadership skills.”

— Jeff Litten, YMCA Michigan Youth in Government State Director (wlen.com)

The takeaway

The Michigan Youth in Government conference is an important program that helps foster civic engagement and an understanding of government among the next generation of citizens and leaders.