Iowa Youth Congress

Iowa Youth Congress (IYC) was created in 2006 by the Department of Human Rights (DHR) to enhance opportunity and broader representation of all Iowans in the government process. The IYC provides youth of all backgrounds the opportunity to gain hands-on education in the subject areas of state government, democracy, advocacy, and civic engagement.

Iowa Youth Congress (IYC) seeks up to 100  Iowa high school-aged youth to participate in a year-long program which provides students the knowledge, abilities, and direction to advocate and enact change in their communities and at the state level for issues affecting youth. IYC will hold regional meetings throughout the year and will engage students in a one-day Mock Congress event. 

Through the IYC experience, students attain a variety of skills including public speaking, problem solving, and political debate in multicultural leadership settings. The students also report that IYC participation improves their interest in the legislative process and helps to provide a more hands-on learning experience in the proposal, debate, and passing of bills.

Iowa Youth Congress (IYC) is a diverse and dynamic group of student representatives and we are always looking for students with new perspectives. Any Iowa high school student can apply to be part of IYC. There is no cost to participate and the program will provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.

  The application period ended June 3rd, 2022.  Please check back in May, 2023, for the 2023-24 application period.

Legislative Initiatives:

IYC Members

In November, IYC members voted on the 2021-2022 Legislative Agenda at the annual event: Mock Congress.

IYC's 2021-2022 legislative initiatives include:

• Sexual Violence Prevention and Awareness Education
• Student Representatives on School Boards
• Subsidizing Student Activities
• Iowa Schools Recycling Plan
• Disability Education in Schools
• Mental Health Curriculum

To see previous youth issues IYC has advocated for click here:

  
2021-2022 Member Bios

Past IYC Rosters

IYC and Service

Event Photos

Testimonials & Quotes

Other quotes from current and past IYC members:

"Programs like IYC help instill power in youth and teach us that power has always been in the hands of youth." -Volta Adovor (2019-2021)

"Through learning about and engaging in advocacy and leadership, I have found power within my voice, a power I never knew existed. IYC has given me the confidence to not only create change within myself, but also to create change within my community." -Abby King (2020-2021)

"I enjoy the exposure to many different ideas, view points, and beliefs that IYC has exposed me to." -2021-2022 IYC Member

"Expanding my network through people in IYC has helped me participate in more social justice events and groups." -2021-2022 IYC Member

"I think my favorite part of IYC so far has been being able to be exposed to the way the government system works and being given several different ways to reach out to legislators and being given tips on how to properly communicate with legislators about topics I feel are important to bring to their notice." -2021-2022 IYC Member

District Orientations

Members of IYC met in-person in their districts in August 2021. In total, there are 11 IYC Districts which are based on their geographical areas.

During their District Orientations, they learned about the IYC Program and met each other for the first time. They also did a feedback wall in order to decide what issue topics they will be working on for the 2021-2022 year. 

Click here to see past year photos. 

Mock Congress

IYC Members at Mock Congress, hosted in the fall of 2021, had the chance to debate and vote on their legislative agenda for the year.

Mock Congress met in person at the Iowa State Capitol where they sat in the House of Representatives.

"My favorite part of IYC so far would have to be Mock Congress and coordinating with my district throughout that day." - 2021-2022 IYC Member

     
Click here to see photos from past events

Questions

For questions regarding applying or IYC in general, please contact the DHR Youth Development Coordinator at kayla.powell@iowa.gov