A record number of participants—984 high schoolers from 42 delegations statewide and 124 advisors—will attend the Youth and Government Annual Conference in Raleigh February 12-15, 2026.
On the eve of the conference, Josh Brown reflected on his time as Youth Governor this past year. A senior at North Raleigh Christian Academy, Josh said his theme has been having connected communities in North Carolina.
“Being involved in Y&G pulls you out of the monotony of school and puts you in an engaging, hands-on experience you will never forget. And it helps spark passion for engagement and being involved in civics, whether that’s just voting, or going on to hold public office someday,” Josh said. “With how polarized our world has become, my biggest goal this past year was for students to be able to unite and have public discourse opportunity and to engage civically,” he said.
Students involved in the program at their local Y or through their high school will have the opportunity to participate in mock legislative and judicial processes, media training and workshops led by local experts—ranging from financial literacy to health and humor to a writing a winning resume.
“What I’m most proud of is how invested YMCAs across the state are in learning more by coming to the conference this week–either to bring a small delegation for the first time or to attend and learn what the program is all about as they consider whether to bring the program to their Y,” said Lindsey Pullum, Ph.D., State Director of Youth and Government for North Carolina and the Association Director of Teen Programs and Engagement for YMCA of the Triangle.
Pullum said that Ys should consider Y&G as part of their weekly or monthly teen engagement strategy. “Ys can use Y&G like Leaders Club and Achievers to engage teens in leadership development, community service, problem-solving and critical thinking – all through a lens of public service. YMCAs should have this program in their teen engagement toolkit.” To learn more email Lindsey Pullum after the conference.
Congratulations to Josh and all the students coming together this week. “It’s been an amazing opportunity, I’ve learned a lot more than I thought I would, and made so many connections here in the state and across. I’ve always been big on educating yourself and learning how politics works. YAG is a great place to do that where it’s fun and not high stress, but an educational experience,” Josh said.