Model State Legislature is an extra-curricular activity for 11th and 12th grade students. Sponsored by the Iowa House of Representatives, the Model State Legislature provides an opportunity for approximately 200 students from all across Iowa to role-play members of the Iowa state legislature as well as lobbyists, media professionals, legislative staff aides, and pages. Normally the Model State Legislature convenes in November. Participants travel to Des Moines for a three day activity beginning Sunday afternoon and concluding Tuesday afternoon. The activity is competitive. Each prospective student must create a bill for possible legislative debate. Applicants must also supply resumes and application forms available from their high school instructors.

NU High's program is normally announced early in the fall semester. Applicants usually have two-three weeks to create their application packages, complete with prospective bills. Winning applicants are typically notified early in October.

In the past few years, NU High has been very active in Model State Legislature. NUHS usually sends between four and six students. A significant number of our recent student participants have been selected for leadership positions during the three day activity, and many have had their individual bills selected for floor debate.