Students who would like to participate must be referred or nominated by a school staff member.  Past participants, teachers, school administrators and staff may request a Youth Congress application form by the Chiesman Center for Democracy, 605-341-4311. 

Those nominating a student(s) will have the student complete the application along with a few short essay questions.  Once the applications are received and reviewed, students will be contacted about their participation in the Youth Congress.

Nominees for Youth Congress should have demonstrated one or more of the following leadership qualities:

• Active within his or her community, school, or organization
• Concern for South Dakota’s role in the global community
• Excellent attitude about the role of youth in the future of South Dakota and the United States
• Reliability and commitment to making a difference for their school, community, and state.

The Youth Congress is held in July on the University of South Dakota campus.
If you have any questions about participating, nominating a student, or any general questions, please contact us.