There’s nothing like being there to learn how the process actually works.
High school students in North Carolina are given the opportunity to learn about the laws governing the state of North Carolina as well as how a bill becomes a law at the Youth Legislative Assembly (YLA).
The 50th annual YLA will be held April 3-5, 2020, in Raleigh. Students can apply now through Jan. 31, 2020.
Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore, in a joint release, stated, “North Carolina’s Youth Legislative Assembly offers students a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about the legislative process and to develop leadership skills that will help them succeed in life. We are proud to continue this long tradition of helping prepare our state’s future leaders.”
During the YLA, students will draft, debate and vote on mock legislative bills that will help them develop skills in research, interviewing, group facilitation and policy writing. As the bills are debated, students have a chance to practice communicating their ideas, opinions and experiences in a legislative environment. The three-day program not only gives the students a better understanding of the legislative process, it helps them enhance written and oral communication skills. They learn that it’s not enough to write a good bill, you also have be able to convince a majority to vote for it.
YLA also provides an opportunity for North Carolina youth to engage with peens from across the state in a structured, positive, youth-focused environment.
For more information please email YLA Coordinator Erica Gallion at Erica.gallion@ncleg.net or call 919-301-1372.
