Youth Government Day

Inspiring high school and community college students to explore careers in government and public service is the primary goal of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute’s Youth Government Day. Youth Government Day has brought nearly 1,500 young people from around Illinois into direct contact with federal and state legislators, state constitutional officers, judges, lobbyists, journalists and others involved in government, public policy making, and the political process. The day-long event provides ample opportunities for students to engage in informal conversations with such leaders.

Each year the institute invites community college professors and high school teachers, guidance counselors and principals to select a few top students from each school to participate in Youth Government Day. There is no participation fee - meaning access to the day-long event is open to all who desire to participate.