Boys/Girls State

The American Legion Boys State and Girls State programs are prestigious civic education initiatives sponsored by The American Legion. They are designed for high school students and offer an immersive, hands-on experience in government and leadership. Here’s an overview of what the programs entail:

• Civic Simulation: Participants simulate the functions of state government by engaging in activities such as mock elections, legislative debates, committee work, and the drafting of bills. This helps them understand the intricacies of how government operates.
• Leadership Development: Both programs focus on nurturing leadership skills, including public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork, while emphasizing the importance of civic responsibility.
• Equal Opportunities: Originally, Boys State was established to educate young men about democratic processes. Recognizing the need for inclusive civic education, Girls State was later introduced to provide young women with the same experiential learning opportunities.

• State-Level Engagement: Each state organizes its own program where selected high school students spend several days immersed in a simulated government environment. The curriculum is tailored to reflect the structure and procedures of the state’s government.
• Workshops and Mentoring: In addition to simulations, students attend workshops and lectures that cover topics such as public policy, ethics in government, and effective leadership practices.
• Pathway to National Programs: Exceptional participants often have the opportunity to advance to national-level programs—Boys Nation or Girls Nation—where they further hone their leadership skills and gain broader insights into the nation’s political system.

• Civic Engagement: By participating in these programs, students gain a firsthand understanding of civic duties and the importance of active citizenship.
• Future Leaders: Many alumni go on to pursue careers in public service, law, business, and other fields where leadership and civic involvement are key. The program is recognized as a foundational experience for future community leaders.

In summary, The American Legion Boys State and Girls State programs serve as vital platforms for high school students to learn about government, develop leadership skills, and build a lifelong commitment to civic engagement.