Learn more about
MCCOY's Youth Day at the Statehouse
Since it’s inaugural year in 2024, Youth from all over Indiana have joined us for MCCOY’s annual Youth Day at the Statehouse on President’s Day to watch the Indiana General Assembly in Action.
JOIN US!
The 2026 Youth Day at the Statehouse will take place on President’s Day, February 16, 2026.
Families and youth groups participated in this engaging event, which included opportunities to:
- Meet lawmakers tell them what is important to you.
- Meet other youth advocates.
- Learn about other youth advocacy groups.
- Observe committee hearings and watch voting.
Be an advocate for positive change in Indiana!
In conjunction with MCCOY’s Youth Day at the Statehouse:
- The Indiana Youth Institute has hosted their annual State of the Child presentation on the same day.
- The Commission on Improving the Status of Children in Indiana hosted their annual summit following the events of MCCOY’s Youth Day at the Statehouse.
Information to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the agenda for the day?
The agenda offers many opportunities and options for groups to adapt to their own interests and needs. We also will have many options for on-your-own activities that can be completed anytime during the day, including a station to write postcards to your elected officials, and much more.
- 9:00 AM – Check-In begins
- 9:30 – 10:00 AM – Welcome message from MCCOY staff
- 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Committee Hearings
- 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Youth Advocacy Resource Fair
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Lunch and Youth Day at the Statehouse Program
- 1:00 PM – House and Senate sessions begin
What should I wear?
We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for lots of walking. There will be places to hang your coat, but remember where you place your coat so you can grab it at the end of the day. February in Indiana is cold!
CAN you dress up for this event? Absolutely! If you hope to share your thoughts with lawmakers it doesn’t hurt to dress business casual or business professional, though that is not a requirement for this event.
Is the building ADA accessible?
There is an accessible entrance on the first floor, on the WEST side of the statehouse. There are also elevators in the building. For more information about accessibility at the statehouse, please email: ADAhelp@iga.in.gov
Where do I park?
Buses
Buses typically offload by the Capitol Street entrance (on the East side of the Statehouse). Bus parking is available for $20 at the Indianapolis Zoo down the street.
We recommend arriving early to get parking. There are several parking garages surrounding the Indiana Statehouse, Including Premier Parking, Republic Parking, and the Claypool Parking Garage.
Where do I go when I arrive at the Statehouse?
Check-In will be in the North Atrium of the Statehouse on the Second Floor (Ground Level).
The Statehouse is a big place! That’s why we have a map to help you find check-in and find all the opportunities available to you in this interactive event. Download the Statehouse Map and see below for where MCCOY staff will be ready to welcome you and provide materials on the day of the event:
How can I spread the word about Youth Day at the Statehouse?
Communications Toolkit
Share this event with partners, youth organizations, and families using this helpful communications toolkit. See social media graphics, handouts, sample language for inviting students in your youth program, and much more.
How can I stay engaged if I can't make it to Youth Day at the Statehouse?
There are so many ways to stay engaged and connected to the Indiana General Assembly if you can’t make it in-person! Check out our Advocacy Resources page for all the best videos about the legislative process and how to contact your legislator about the issues YOU care about.
Who is the event contact?
If your question isn’t answered here, please reach out to sarah.kumfer@mccoyouth.org.
What can I do to prepare for Youth Day at the Statehouse?
Browse the page below for videos providing background on the Indiana General Assembly, what to expect for the event, and some tips on navigating the General Assembly website. These resources can help you be prepared to make the most of Youth Day at the Statehouse.
Registration Requirements
- All youth 17 and under must be registered with and accompanied by an adult at this event.
- For group registrations, we require at least one adult chaperone per 10 youth.
- Registration for the 2026 Youth Day at the Statehouse will open in December 2025.
- Registration deadline will be Monday, February 9.
- Missed the registration deadline? That’s okay! We’d still love to see you at the Statehouse! We just cannot guarantee lunch will be available to you, so please prepare your own lunch plans accordingly.
Registration for the 2026 Youth Day at the Statehouse is NOW OPEN!
Registration includes lunch and great resources to engage and inform youth about the legislative process in Indiana.
Youth Day at the Statehouse Resource Fair
We invite partner organizations to join us at Youth Day at the Statehouse and participate in our resource fair! We hope to connect youth attendees with all of the many wonderful organizations around our city and state that provide youth advocacy and empowerment opportunities.
Past participants included:
- The Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council
- Students Demand Action
- Voices Corp.
- Marion County Youth Violence Prevention Coalition
- Confront the Climate Crisis
- Youth Against Racial Injustice
- and more!
Are you interested in participating in our Youth Advocacy Resource Fair?
Contact Lauren George at lauren.george@mccoyouth.org
Become a sponsor!
This day would not be possible without the help of our sponsors. If your organization is interested in sponsoring the 2026 Youth Day at the Statehouse, check out our sponsorship opportunities below.