Youth & Government Program

Youth & Government cultivates the next generation of civic leaders by immersing Chicago-area high school students in the Illinois state legislative process. Through this hands-on mock government program, students step into real government roles — debating legislation, arguing appellate cases, and shaping policy — all while building the confidence, critical thinking, and civic skills that last a lifetime.

Starting each fall, students choose from three tracks: the Legislative Track, where they draft and debate real bills on issues affecting their communities; the Judicial Track, where they argue appellate criminal cases as either the State prosecutor or defense; or Additional Roles in the Executive Branch, press corps, and as lobbyists. The program culminates every March at a statewide General Assembly held inside the actual Illinois State Capitol in Springfield — where students experience democracy not as a classroom lesson, but as participants.

No prior experience is required. Youth & Government is open to all Illinois high school students who are ready to find their voice and make it heard.