YOUTH
PROGRAM

Youth Engagement at City Summit

Bring your youth council and young leaders to City Summit’s youth conference where they can network with other inspiring young leaders and discuss key issues impacting cities.

Capacity is limited, so we recommend early registration. Youth registration is $365 per student. Registration fee includes a youth conference badge, access to all youth programming and a limited number of meals.

Youth programming will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 18 and Thursday, Nov. 19.

Youth Conference

NLC’s youth conference is designed specifically for high school students, ages 14 through 18, who are engaged in a city-affiliated youth council or commission. Each city’s delegation must include eligible adult chaperones.   

Chaperones must be at least 25 years old, a city employee or a youth council leader. Family members and current elected officials may not serve as chaperones. Chaperones must attend all youth conference events alongside the youth participants. We currently allow a 1:6 chaperone to youth ratio during the registration process.

Register a Youth

Register in Three Simple Steps

Click Register Now
Select Attendee > Youth Delegate/Chaperone
Complete registration for chaperone and youth attendees. NLC recommends at least one chaperone for every six youth that attend. Registration must be completed by an adult.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in the NLC youth program?

NLC invites youth leaders who are actively involved with a city-affiliated youth council or commission. All youth must be accompanied by an eligible adult chaperone. NLC recommends one adult chaperone for every six youth.

How many chaperones do we need for our youth?

NLC recommends that groups plan to have one adult chaperone for every six youth. Chaperones must be at least 25 years old, a city employee or a youth council leader. Family members may not act as the primary chaperone for youth.

What does the registration cost include?

The youth registration fee includes a youth conference badge, access to all youth programming, and some meals.

Who can serve as a youth chaperone?

Youth Delegate programming will take place on Wednesday, November 18, through Thursday evening, November 19. Though there’s no dedicated youth programming on Friday and Saturday, youth delegates and chaperones are welcome to participate in general conference programming. Please note that evening events are 21 years old and over.

DOes nlc financially sponsor youth to attend conferences?

NLC does not currently provide any financial sponsorship for youth conference registrants. 

How can members of my youth council be part of the planning process for upcoming conferences? 

If you have youth who would like to apply to be part of the NLC Youth Advisory Council for the 2026-2027 conference season, applications will open April 1 until  May 22, 2026.  Eligible youth must: 

Be a part of their city’s youth council;

Be a rising 11^thor 12th grader;

Have written commitment from their city to financially sponsor their registration and travel to both City Summit (November) and Congressional City Conference (March);

Be accompanied by an eligible chaperone;

Have written parent/guardian permission

We also provide other youth council members with the opportunity to help with the planning and execution of workshops closer to conference dates. To be a part of the Youth Conference Planning Committee, youth must be registered to attend the upcoming conference as part of their youth council and able to attend virtual evening planning meetings. Registered chaperones will receive outreach about Planning Committee applications in late Summer/early Fall.

Questions? Email us at youthengagement@nlc.org.