American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students. A participatory program in which students become part of the operation of local, county and state government, At Boys State, participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county, and state governments. Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses, and recreational programs.
Legion posts select high school juniors to attend the program. In most cases, individual expenses are paid by a sponsoring post, a local business or another community-based organization.
Boys State programs currently exist in all Legion departments in the United States except Hawaii. As separate corporations, Boys State programs vary in content and method of procedure, but each adheres to the same basic concept: teaching government from the township to the state level.
Please review eligibility and dates to find a program and contact information in your state.
Boys Nation
Two representatives from each of the 49 Boys States represent their state at Boys Nation in Washington, D.C., where the young leaders receive an education on the structure and function of federal government.
At the event, each delegate acts as a senator from his Boys State. The young lawmakers caucus at the beginning of the session, then organize into committees and conduct hearings on bills submitted by program delegates.
Senators learn the proper method of handling bills, according to U.S. Senate rules. Participation in the political process is emphasized throughout the week, including organization of party conventions and nominating and electing a president and vice president.
The week of government training also includes lectures, forums and visits to federal agencies, national shrines, institutions, memorials and historical sites. On Capitol Hill, Boys Nation senators meet with elected officials from their home states.
Since Boys Nation began in 1946, a number of its graduates have been elected to public office, including presidents, congressmen, state governors and state legislators. Many others have been inspired to work for the campaigns of individuals seeking public office.
Location(s)
- The American Legion in each state holds its own Boys State program. See the full list here for locations.
- Boys Nation is held at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia
Schedule
- Dates vary by state, but Boys State is typically held for one week in May or June. See the full schedule here.
- Boys Nation will be held July 18 - 25, 2025
Cost/Compensation
- In most cases, individual expenses are paid by a sponsoring Legion post, a local business, or another community-based organization.
Eligibility Requirements
- High school juniors
- Previous participants of a Boys State competition are not allowed to attend a second session.
- Only those who illustrate leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty and service in their schools and community should be considered. Merit and ability are the basis for evaluation during the actual citizens selection process.
Deadline
- Deadlines vary by state. Please see the full list of Boys State programs here .
Application or Entry Requirements
- Application requirements vary by Legion department. Typically, Legions ask schools to provide a list of recommended candidates who are then interviewed by the local Legion post.
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
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The American Legion is a patriotic organization of U.S. war veterans headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was established in 1919 in Paris, France by veterans to help veterans after their discharge from military service. The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, and is committed to mentoring youth, advocating for patriotism and honor, and promoting strong national security.
