About Metro State Model Legislature

Metro State University’s Model Legislature program is inspired by and builds on the successful history of the Winona State Model Legislature, which has been in operation for more than 60 years.  

Similar to the Winona State Model, Metro State’s Model Legislature is a two-day immersive experience drawing students from area schools. Metro State’s program differs in that it works with the communities of the Twin Cities Metro area, providing access to the legislative and policy-making process to communities that have historically been excluded by legislative and governing institutions. In addition, the Metro State Model Legislature is open to students at nearby community college programs.  

Metro State’s program also leverages both the university’s long-standing connections with state legislators and physical proximity to situate the weekend-long experience at the Minnesota State Capitol.  

Legislators, lobbyists, and legislative assistants 

Participating students are enrolled in various civics or political science courses in area high schools or community colleges. Model Legislature might be a course requirement, or it may be an extracurricular activity. Schools must have formalized a Metro State Model Legislature partnership to be eligible. Please use the form on our home page to get started.

Working with undergraduate and graduate student advisors drawn from Metro State University’s extensive public policy and civic studies programs who have been specially trained for their work, Metro State Model Legislature participants will engage in the experience in the following roles:  

• Students who are not yet high school seniors will participate as Legislative Assistants, supporting the work of Senators and Representatives. 
• Students who are high school seniors or community college students will serve as lobbyists, Senators, Representatives, and staff in the Governor’s Office.