Oklahoma’s 73rd Youth & Government State Conference will take place on Feb. 15-17, 2024, at the Oklahoma State Capitol. This three-day conference is the culmination of the Youth & Government (YAG) experience. Held in February each year, this conference brings students from across the state together to debate ideas and find their voice, all of which happens at the Capitol. Teens will serve as delegates, debate bills on the floors of each chamber, argue cases before the courts and follow the twists and turns of their own ‘session’ through media publications.

YMCA Youth & Government is a national program that engages thousands of teens nationwide in state-organized, model-government programs. Students from every corner of the U.S. have the opportunity to immerse themselves in experiential civic engagement and practice democracy. Teens from across every state meet in their local YAG clubs and statewide events throughout the year to discuss and debate issues that affect citizens through proposed legislation, participation in mock trials or journalistic reporting.

The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City’s YAG program is designed to create an environment in which students can increase their political awareness and understanding while also learning the meaning of social action through experience. YAG enhances teens’ understanding of the American democratic process by enabling young Americans to prepare for moral and political leadership through guidance, training, and experience in the theory and practice of determining public policy.

“We are thrilled to host the 73rd Youth & Government State Conference at the Oklahoma State Capitol,” said Tara O’Connell, Associate Executive Director of Teen Leadership at the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City. “This conference provides a unique platform for teenagers to develop their leadership skills, engage in meaningful discussions and learn about the political process. We are confident this experience will inspire our future leaders to become active participants in shaping our society.”

Individuals interested in participating in or volunteering with the Youth & Government program can contact the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City or visit ymcaokc.org/yag/ for more details.

For photos from past YAG State Conference’s: Click Here