The Boys State program.
This is 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 the sponsoring post, a local business or another community-based organization.
Boys State participants may be eligible to apply for the Samsung American Legion Scholarship. Details for that scholarship may be found at: http://www.legion.org/scholarships/samsung
Boys State Eligibility:
Male, 2025 - 2026 High School Juniors with at least 1 semester remaining in Senior Year. Have not participated in any other Boys State Program.
Maryland Boys State 2026
Scheduled for June 21-27, 2026 at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD
Deadline for Application is May 1, 2026
The application portal is NOW LIVE