Youth and Government Seminars
The Purpose
Our 8th graders learn the operation of state government, strengthen their understanding of the three branches of government, better understand the Constitution, and learn the responsibilities of citizenship.
The Students
Participation is open to all 8th grade students in WV from public school, homeschooling, nonpublic schools, public charter schools, microschools, and students on Hope Scholarship.
The Classroom
The Capitol – Senate, House of Delegates, Governor’s Office, Supreme Court, other Constitutional Officers; the United States Federal Court and the Charleston Municipal Court.
The Instructors
Legislators, Judges, Department Heads, Program Volunteers, and YLA staff.
The Schedule
Session #1
January 28-30, 2026
Braxton, Brooke, Clay, Hancock, Harrison, Lewis, Lincoln, Ohio, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Randolph, Upshur, Wirt
Session #2
February 2-4, 2026
Barbour, Berkeley, Mason, Monroe, Morgan, Putnam, Summers, Tucker, Wood, Wyoming
Session #3
February 11-13, 2026
Boone, Fayette, Marion, Mercer, Monongalia, Nicholas, Pleasants, Raleigh, Tyler, Wetzel
Session #4
February 18-20, 2026
Cabell, Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Jefferson, Kanawha, Logan, Preston, Ritchie, Roane, Taylor, Wayne
Session #5
February 23-25, 2026
Grant, Greenbrier, Hampshire, Hardy, Jackson, McDowell, Marshall, Mineral, Mingo, Webster
Legislative Banquet
Students get to meet and interact with their Legislators at an evening banquet.
The Learning Model
Observation, questioning, and discussion with elected and appointed officials, as well as key government staff help students experience the complete process of governance.
The Sponsors
The 8th Grade Youth & Government Seminars are a program of the Youth Leadership Association in cooperation with the WV Department of Education, Governor’s Office, WV Supreme Court of Appeals, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer of State, President of the Senate and Senators, Speaker of the House and Delegates, Charleston Municipal Court, United States Federal Court, WV State Bar Foundation, participating parents, schools and teachers, and Founder Al Emch.
Now – enjoy, learn, help others, and make lasting differences for good!
For more information, please visit Youth Leadership.