Girls State is a week-long, hands-on civics program in which rising high school seniors elect officials and run a simulated city and state government. Each state's American Legion Auxiliary underwrites the cost, so most delegates attend at no charge beyond incidental travel or optional service-project expenses. Local Auxiliary units, or the high school where none exists, competitively select delegates based on leadership ability, interest in government and current events, strong character, and above-average academics. Program dates and the exact selection steps are set by each state.
Who can apply
FieldsGovernment · Civics · Political Science · Public Policy
EligibilityOpen to young women only; a companion Boys State program exists for young men
Logistics
Applying
You submitCompetitively selected by your local American Legion Auxiliary unit or high school on leadership, government interest, character, and academics