DS school has never nominated anyone for Boys State

xray328

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I asked our DS's guidance counselor about the nomination process to both HOBY and Boys State. She said they've never worked with either organization and would have to look into the nomination processes. Anyone else run into this? I thought they'd at least know about Boys State.
 
Part of the issue with Boy's/Girl's State is the required application fee. If a school sponsors a student, it means they pay the fee (it's ~$300-400). If your DS's school isn't interested in the program or willing to sponsor your DS, he can contact your local American Legion and ask if they sponsor students, or you can pay the fee yourselves.
 
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My son was in the same position. We just contacted a few posts directly. One had a spot for him and offered to split the cost 50/50 with us. Don't worry about the school's lack of involvement.
 
Just found this on the Kansas Boy's State website FAQ:

Q: "There is no American Legion in my hometown. Whom should I contact for sponsorship?"
A: "While Boys State is a program of the American Legion, many other civic organizations sponsor delegates like Eagles, Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, high schools and others. If you have trouble finding a local sponsor to pay the FULL amount, you may use more than one sponsor to help defray the costs or your parents may help to sponsor part of, or all of your costs."
 
Thanks. I don't mind paying the fees. Just surprised no ones inquired before us. Maybe that'll work towards his advantage? Not sure it has the same impact though versus him having gone through a selection process of being nominated. I mean yeah he attended, but no one else was interested.
 
Re. cost -- "The total fee for the 2016 session of Boys State is $350. In most situations a delegate or his family pays $50 and a sponsoring organization pays the remaining $300. Both fees must accompany the application."
 
Thanks. I don't mind paying the fees. Just surprised no ones inquired before us. Maybe that'll work towards his advantage? Not sure it has the same impact though versus him having gone through a selection process of being nominated. I mean yeah he attended, but no one else was interested.

The most important aspect is that he has the experience, regardless of how he got there. I don't think the lack of competition/selection matters as much as the fact that he took the initiative to be a part of Boy's State. IMHO it may help him, that he stepped out to be a leader in your area/school to be the first to attend. And now because of him, maybe others will be interested.
 
DS' high school was not at all involved with Boy's State. We contacted the local American Legion post and Mom and Dad picked up the tab to have the post "sponsor him". He was the only person from the post to attend Boys State although they had several young women attend Girls State. All participants attended a dinner at the post and spoke about their experience. DS wasn't aware that he would speak but did a pretty good extemporaneous job with a few tips from an old vet. I'll never forget his opening line... "When I first heard of Boys State and Girls state, I really wanted to attend Girls State..." :D
 
I had never even heard of Boys/Girls state until I came to this site. A good, even a great, program - please don't think it is the end all/be all of a Service Academy application resume.
 
Not at all. In our search for leadership seminars the kids should go to these two were recommended to us. Seems like a lot of folks think pretty highly of Boys State at least.
 
I had never heard of it before I got to USNA and people talked about it. Then again I went to USNA in the dark ages and before we have forums like this. I am from a little town, I am sure if I had inquired from the local post I could have.
 
DS was homeschooled. We contacted a local Post explaining he was trying To attend USAFA. Post sponsored him and paid entire cost.
 
DS was homeschooled. We contacted a local Post explaining he was trying To attend USAFA. Post sponsored him and paid entire cost.

Is that an option if he couldn't get the nomination through his school (or if he wasn't chosen)? Can the post send more than one?
 
xray, I assume it is particular to each individual post. Suggest contacting one near you.
 
Oh ok, thought there might of been a national policy on how that works, thanks.
 
I can only speak about Kansas Boy's State. But my school has zero money to spend on things like that so my counselor and I located a legion post and they paid half of the fee, I had to pay the other. But I was the only one to go from my class of 170, so my counselor could solely focus on me getting a sponsorship. Ended up being the Attorney General so well worth the leg work, but I understand the being the only person thing. Try and find a legion post and if not the whole fee may be on you but will still be able to attend. Good luck!!
 
His counselor said they aren't nominating anyone to HOBY because of the registration fees. I asked if they'd of nominated him otherwise could we pay the fees ($195)...waiting to hear back.
 
His counselor said they aren't nominating anyone to HOBY because of the registration fees. I asked if they'd of nominated him otherwise could we pay the fees ($195)...waiting to hear back.

Good luck I'm sure it will turn out right in the end and they'll do that for you. Come back and let us know the outcome either way. I can't say I've read every thread here but I think this is a good one for those, in an area or school that can't/won't do this, to get some possible solutions.
 
That's great news! Great example for young lurkers of looking for solutions and not just throwing your hands in the air.
 
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