BOYS STATE
American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. William T. McCoy Post #92 awards Boys State Scholarships every year. To complete an application, please download one or ask your high school counselor. More information can be found at http://www.mnboysstate.org.
DOWNLOAD 2024 BOYS STATE CANDIDATE APPLICATION
Applications must be received by Post #92
no later than April 1, 2024.
LEGION BOYS STATE BROCHURE 2024
BOYS STATE HISTORY
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. Post 92 covers expenses associated with attending this program.
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.
The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program called Girls State.