

Boys State Program
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.
Typically, high schools will submit a recommended lists of eligible candidates to local American Legion posts. Those individuals who have successfully completed their junior year of high school and who have at least one more semester remaining are considered. We are looking for individuals who illustrate leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty and service in their schools and community. Merit and ability are the basis for evaluation during the actual citizens selection process. The local posts will conduct interviews from the list and select their representative(s) for the program. In most cases, individual expenses are paid by a sponsoring post, a local business, community-based organizations/charities and individual contributions.
Boys State programs currently exist in all Legion departments 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 city to the state level.
American Legion California Boys State competitions are in compliance with federal handicap laws. Most programs require a medical/parental consent certificate signed by a parent and registered doctor.