Girls State

What is Girls State?

The program epitomizes the American Legion Auxiliary’s (ALA) mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom through our enduring commitment to develop young women as future leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. The young women become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how our republic form of government works at the state and national levels. ALA Girls State has empowered hundreds of thousands of accomplished young women to aspire and achieve stellar accomplishments grounded in their leadership skills enhanced at ALA Girls State. Past participants of ALA Girls State include members of presidential cabinets, mayors, governors, state representatives, company CEOs, national journalists and military officers.

Each summer, approximately 20,000 young women participate in weeklong ALA Girls State programs across the nation. Every ALA Girls State program operates with the same patriotic values through a nonpartisan curriculum where students assume the roles of government leaders, campaigning as “Federalists” and “Nationalists” to become mayors and county and state officials of their ALA Girls State. The program is a weeklong immersive learning experience held on a college campus where girls live in “cities” within the dormitory.

Program Objectives

·        Develops leadership and pride in American citizens.

·        Educates citizens about our system of government.

·        Instills a greater understanding of American traditions.

·        Stimulates a desire to maintain our democratic government processes within our republic

Selection Criteria

High school female students eligible to participate must:

      ·        Have completed their junior year in high school.

      ·        Be keenly interested in government and current events.

      ·        Have high moral character.

      ·        Show strong leadership abilities.

     

ALA Girls State Selection Process:

Delegates to an ALA Girls State program are selected by American Legion Auxiliary units, which work with local high school educators to select young women demonstrating leadership qualities.

For more information on ALA Girls State visit www.ALAforVeterans.org