Dear Delegates and Advisors,

Welcome to Yale Model Congress 2026!

My name is Lukas Koutsoukos, and I am honored to serve as President of Yale Model Congress for our 33rd annual conference. I am originally from Wilton, Connecticut, and I study Ethics, Politics, & Economics (EP&E) as well as History as a senior in Yale University’s Benjamin Franklin College.

I still remember how amazed I was when I attended YMC virtually in 2020 and 2021. Even as a delegate participating over Zoom from my school’s library, I felt a sense of awe and optimism at how deeply each participant cared about nurturing civic thought, engaging in respectful debate, and having fun while collaborating to pass bills. I saw delegates become more confident and form life-long friendships, learning how to articulate themselves as better leaders and speak up in moments of uncertainty.

Unlike my old pandemic years, you have the opportunity to hone your skills at Yale itself. This is the home of five U.S. presidents and four current Supreme Court justices, as well as a plethora of congressmen, Secretaries of State, and our Vice President. As you stroll around the campus for Yale Day or walk to your committee rooms, you are literally in the footsteps of political, legal, and intellectual giants. You can make history where so much history has already been made.

STUDENTS — As we welcome you to our campus this December 3rd, we are eager to provide you with an exciting atmosphere to learn about the American government, all the while ensuring the highest quality debate on some of the most pressing issues in today’s complex political world. Whether you enjoy the technicalities of the Science, Space, and Technology committee, are interested in the drama of the Foreign Affairs committee, or seek a more challenging level of participation in our Supreme Court or Presidential Cabinet, we cannot wait to welcome you to Yale this December.

ADVISORS — On behalf of the entire YMC 2026 board, I am grateful for your dedication to your students and this organization. Without your support, this conference would not be possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, feedback, or suggestions as we approach registration in September, financial aid and committee placing in October, and the actual conference in December. We are all here to help!

See you all in New Haven!

Warm regards,
Lukas Koutsoukos
President, Yale Model Congress 2026
president@yalemc.org