GIRLS STATE & BOYS STATE
GIRLS STATE
ALA Girls State delegates are a diverse group of young women with a shared desire to learn and lead. Girls State “citizens” come together from small towns, big cities, and rural areas to hold Girls State elections, and their varied backgrounds set the stage for a week of spirited, experiential learning. American Legion Auxiliary units work with local high school educators to identify girls who have demonstrated leadership qualities. Eligible female students are then recommended and selected by sponsoring American Legion Auxiliary units.
Female delegates to ALA Girls State programs must have completed their junior year in high school and have at least one semester remaining. Each ALA Girls State program and/or ALA unit determines the process they will use to select the delegates for their state, and those decisions are final. The number of ALA Girls State citizens varies by state and is determined by each state’s American Legion Auxiliary resources. Female high school juniors interested in applying to attend ALA Girls State are encouraged to contact their school counselor or their local American Legion Auxiliary units regarding the application process and deadline.
ALA Girls State offers hands-on experience in how state governments function. Other activities at ALA Girls State foster fellowship and creative expression:
- Reporting
- Public speaking
- debate
- Singing
- Talent shows
- Field trips
- Group devotions
- Patriotic ceremonies
- Mock court system
American Legion Auxiliary Girls State has empowered hundreds of thousands of accomplished young women to aspire to great things. Their stellar achievements are grounded in leadership skills enhanced at ALA Girls State. Past ALA Girls State participants include members of presidential cabinets, mayors, governors, state representatives, U.S. senators, corporate CEOs, nationally known journalists, and military officers.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW GIRLS STATE WEBSITE
CLICK HERE TO VIEW 2024 INFO PACKET AND APPLICATION
GIRLS STATE INTERVIEWS
& APPLICATION DEADLINE
May 14, 7PM
OUR POST CONTACT FOR GIRLS STATE:
AMY LABOISSONNIERE
248-892-1203
BOYS STATE
American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government.
Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935 when it organized to counter the Fascist inspired Young Pioneer Camps. The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.
At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.
High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. In most cases, expenses associated with attending this program are paid by a sponsoring American Legion Post, a local business or another community-based organization.
American Legion Boys State is currently conducted in 49 Departments of The American Legion. Hawaii does not conduct a program. As separate corporations, Boys States vary in content and method of procedure, but each and every Boys State adheres to the basic concept of the program - that of teaching government from the township to the state level.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW BOYS STATE WEBSITE
CLICK HERE TO VIEW 2024 BOYS STATE APPLICATION
OUR POST CONTACT FOR BOYS STATE:
JERRY GRZYWINSKI
248-494-2821
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