MODEL GENERAL ASSEMBLY (MGA)
Model General Assembly 2025 – April 6 – 8, 2025
The Model General Assembly program was established in 1948 and was designed to introduce high school students to the legislative process of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Legislation is debated in committees and on the floors of the actual Virginia Senate and House of Delegates.
Students in grades 9-12 may attend. Freshmen and some Sophomores participate in our Underclassmen Legislator Program.
Participants can assume the roles of Senator, Delegate, Officer, Lobbyist, Reporter, or Underclassmen Legislator. Our elected offices are Youth Governor, Youth Lt Governor, Youth Attorney General, Youth House Speaker, Youth House Speaker Pro Tempore, and Youth Senate President Pro Tempore.
Each Club submits at least one and no more than five Legistlative bills for MGA. All bills reference the Code of Virginia or the Constitution of Virginia and are thoroughly researched.
Students who will be Juniors at the 2025 MGA are eligible to run for office for the 2026 MGA. Applications will be open on January 3, 2025.
The conference registration fee covers all materials, admission to all pre-conference events, social activities, hotel, and banquet. Registration for MGA 2025 can be obtained by submitting your request by January 15, 2025, via “Connect With Us” above.
“AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE…”
“The Model General Assembly 2024 breathed new life into the students of Altavista Combined School, igniting a fire of passion for civic engagement and political discourse. What began as an educational exercise evolved into a transformative experience, empowering the youth to voice their opinions and advocate for change in their community and Virginia. Through research, debate, and negotiation, they gained a deeper understanding of the political process and the power they hold as future leaders. The Model General Assembly fostered collaboration and critical thinking skills, instilling confidence in the students to tackle real-world issues with determination and empathy. It served as a reminder that even from the smallest of schools, big ideas and impactful change can originate. To quote, senior student Darren Thibodeau, ‘This was such an incredible opportunity for me as a senior and I feel so thankful for the program! It was an incredible experience I will never forget and will be one of my favorite memories of my high school career!'”