Boys State

What is Boys State?

For more than 70 years, American Legion Boys State programs throughout the country have produced senators, congressmen, governors, leaders of businesses and industry of all disciplines, and even a United States President. Coupled with academic achievement, Boys State can be an attractive component to a dynamic student profile.

What Happens at Boys State?

Four hundred students from all corners of the Commonwealth take up residence on a college campus for a week, grouped into “cities” and “towns”. Over the course of the week, each municipality is provided with a basic working knowledge of local government and given challenges to overcome. Boys State citizens then build themselves into a working government, establishing budgets, enacting local legislation, and solve problems facing the local citizenry.

In addition, each student is a member of a political party. Parties build platforms and elect state officers and legislators a slate of statewide candidates, all to the final goal of establishing a Massachusetts Boys State government.

How Do You Get to Boys State?

With the recommendation of your school and sponsorship of the American Legion, a student is prepared to attend Boys State. Tuition to Boys State is, in most cases, paid by the American Legion Post sponsor or other community-minded organization such as the Massachusetts Boys State and Girls State Foundation, Inc., a non-profit group that supports the American Legion with its program.

Eligibility To Attend Boys State

·        Only males who have successfully completed their junior year of high school and have at least on more semester of high school remaining are to be considered as citizens of Boys State.

·        Any boy who has previously attended a Boys State is not eligible to attend a second session.

·        Only boys with outstanding qualities of leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty and service to their schools should be considered for Boys State.

·        Massachusetts Boys State does require a medical/parental consent certificate signed by both a parent and a family physician.

For more information visit us at http://www.maboysstate.org/

Or contact us at

Massachusetts Boys State Foundation

Email: tcrowley@maboysstate.org

Phone: 617-599-9378