The YMCA Youth Legislature is a model legislative and judicial program for high school students in grades 9-12 and middle school students in grade 6 – 8. Students from public and private schools across Desoto County come together for one day to participate in a mock legislative session. Each student participates as a legislator. They write a bill that they present on the day of the conference. Training is done at each school by YMCA staff to teach them the process of researching, writing and presenting a bill. The bills are debated by all students and voted on by the delegates as to whether the bill passes out of committee to be presented in the afternoon at the general assembly. The leadership for this program also comes from the students. Past participants in the Youth in Government conference serve as officers for the day and lead all the sessions. The YMCA Youth Legislature Program allows participants to gain an in-depth knowledge of our state’s political, judicial and legislative systems. Awards are given out at the end of the day long event for outstanding bills and outstanding statespersons. Participation in this local one day event is a first step to their participation in the 2 day events held in Jackson for students all over the state. Delegates from 2 high schools in DeSoto county have attended this program and several of those students have been chosen as outstanding delegates. We hope in the future to have participation from each school in the DeSoto County school district for this time honored YMCA program for youth.  There is a $25 registration fee per student to participate in each conference. This fee includes lunch and all other conference dues. If financial assistance is needed, please contact the YMCA.