About SGA Model Congress
Forty Years of Civic Leadership
Since 1988, Student Government of America has trained more than 50,000 college students to understand, engage with, and lead in the American democratic process.
Our Mission
Why We Exist
Our mission is to develop the next generation of civic leaders by immersing college students in the authentic legislative experience — building the skills, knowledge, and networks that power a lifetime of public service.
Civic Engagement
We believe democracy thrives when citizens are informed, active, and willing to lead.
Intellectual Rigor
Delegates engage with real policy, real procedure, and real consequences — no shortcuts.
Inclusive Leadership
Every voice matters in our chambers. We build leaders from every background and perspective.
National Community
SGA connects students across institutions, regions, and ideologies in shared civic purpose.
How It Works
The Model Congress Experience
Prepare Your Delegation
Faculty advisors register their delegation and receive a full prep kit — bill templates, rules of procedure, committee assignments, and delegate training materials.
Draft Legislation
Delegates research and draft original bills on real policy issues, from healthcare to foreign policy. Faculty advisors guide the process with SGA curriculum support.
Attend the Conference
Delegations convene for a multi-day conference. Delegates debate in committees, negotiate on the floor, and vote on legislation in a fully simulated congressional environment.
Lead and Compete
Outstanding delegates earn recognition for best bill, best delegate, and outstanding committee performance — credentials that stand out on any resume or application.
Our History
Built on a Belief in Democracy
Student Government of America was founded in 1988 by a coalition of university student government leaders who believed that civic education shouldn't end in the classroom. What began as a single regional conference in Washington, D.C. has grown into the nation's largest collegiate Model Congress program — spanning 120+ annual conferences, 500+ partner universities, and a network of alumni who have gone on to serve in Congress, state legislatures, federal agencies, and civic organizations across the country.
Leadership
The Team Behind the Program
Dr. Margaret Holloway
Executive Director
Former congressional staffer and political science professor with 20 years in civic education.
James Okafor
Director of Conferences
Coordinates 120+ annual conferences across the country, managing logistics for 50,000+ delegates.
Sofia Reyes
Director of Curriculum
Develops delegate training materials, bill templates, and faculty advisor resources.
David Chen
Director of Partnerships
Manages relationships with 500+ partner universities and faculty advisors nationwide.