YMCA YOUTH CONFERENCE ON NATIONAL AFFAIRS

This program offers unusual opportunities for high school students to do research in the area of National and International concern; to organize this information into a documented proposal; to engage in intensive discussion and to debate these proposals with other young people from states all over the United States.

This national, week-long high school conference takes place each July at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in North Carolina and has been a part of the Youth and Government program since 1968. Information about the specifics and logistics of the Conference on National Affairs can be found at www.ymcacona.org

Application Process

Up to 25 delegates and 4 alternates will be selected. The application will open in Mid-January. Students applying for CONA will need to commit to the full week of the conference. In the application, it will ask delegates to list at least three topics of national or international importance about which they would consider writing proposals suggesting solutions. Delegates should apply with the understanding that creating a team environment, supporting one another, and bringing skills learned at CONA back to their local YG clubs are crucial parts of the CONA experience. They also need to secure recommendations from 2 adults with knowledge of their YG activities.

Applications Open: February 14th 2024 at 10am
Applications Close: March 3rd 2024 at 10pm
Recommendations Letter upload Link: The adult you are seeking a letter of recommendation from must fill out this form before applications close on March 3rd at 10pm

Qualifications

Applications are considered based on the following criteria

    • If we receive multiple applicants from the same campus, no more than 2 will be selected if they score high enough to be considered.
    • Senior (12th grade) applicants will only be considered if they are returners to CONA. First-time senior applications will not be considered.
    • Applicants must be active participants in the program and have completed a full year of programming.
    • Delegates will be evaluated on their application, performance in the program, and two (2) recommendation letters from program leaders/school leaders. Send link to those completing your recommendation for upload.
    • Priority is given to Sophomore and Junior applicants who have completed a year in our program.
    • Additional criteria considered by the state office is representation from each region.
    • Officers are not guaranteed spots in CONA. Applications must be submitted and considered by the committee.
    • Delegates must complete all the required registration steps to be considered.
Questions or are you interested in applying? Speak directly to your Club Advisor or District Director.

Program Fees & Transportation

The fees to participate in Conference on National Affairs would range between $1200.00-$1,500.00 with the final amount to be determined based on philanthropic support. This program fee includes:

  • Registration for Conference on National Affairs
  • Meals (except while traveling to/from NC)
  • Lodging Accommodations
  • Transportation to and from NC
  • Conference programming and materials

Delegates can also work with their District Director and local Y to inquire about any opportunities to partially or fully cover their fees and/or transportation.

Learn More

Read a media story from a Texas Delegate below to learn more about their experience in NC.

TEXAS UNITED AT CONA written by Seleste Long, Duncanville High School Junior