Boys State admissions

Minki Seo

New Member
Joined
Dec 13, 2015
Messages
3
How do I apply for Boys State? Unfortunately, there isn't any American Legion posts in my town. What do I have to do to get in?
 
You may need to travel to another state to attend. Just be prepared. Also, apply for SLE. These two events that are available between your junior and senior summer may have schedule conflicts. Also look into BSA if you are not already member. Boys State and Eagle Scout do carry credibility when it comes to leadership.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
Definitely guidance counselor as I believe my DS needed to be recommended by school and one from a American Legion post. It may be different in each state.
 
To the OP, I don't think this is an inappropriate question to post here. There are many areas in the country where interest in Boys State/Nation has become inactive or is non-existent. My own DS brought it up to his school and it caused the counselors to resurrect the dormant program based on his initiative.

Some others on this website have secured the paperwork, submitted an application and paid their own way. (Schools usually sponsor a student and pay for the expenses).

Regardless, you should find a way to make it happen.
 
Regardless, you should find a way to make it happen.

YES! Best week of his life!
 
Go to the "American Legion Boys State" direct. My son did not get picked by his school, we contacted "Boys State" and he paid his own way and they sent him as an "Independent". My daughter is home schooled and did the same only she was a bit cannier and talked the local bank into sponsoring her. If there are no posts around to sponsor you, you will probably end up paying either way. Son was $250. Daughters $350. probably varies by region. Even when the school picks you you still have to have a sponsor.
 
When I have questions such as this, I find this link most helpful: www.lmgtfy.com
I know you are an experienced member, but I think this is a very rude comment. I, after hearing so much about how I should go to Girls State, I did exactly what you suggested. I googled it. In the middle of my sophomore year no less. The California website was not extremely helpful, but I contacted my guidance counselor and informed her I wanted to attend. She told me to talk with her again at the beginning of my junior year. First week back at school I went and talked with her. My school had never nominated a student before so we looked over the website together. Confused we tried calling and emailing the coordinator. No response. I ended up GOOGLING individual Girls State liaisons and ALA Units in my area. I e-mailed, called and was eventually told that a unit in my area would pay for me to go to Girls State. I was thrilled! She said she would get back to me in a few weeks with information. I called again, always extremely polite. On my second call she answered and informed me that Girls State was full and no new schools could be accepted. Maybe the process was simple for your kids, but I worked hard to find information and get in and ultimately it proved impossible. Please think before dismissing a question like this.
 
I had never heard of the program before discovering this forum, long after DD was into her senior year and well into the application and nomination process. I looked it up when I first saw it on this forum, it is in our state but not our town. I've filed it away in my brain for my other future SA kids, but it will be extremely difficult to coordinate. While it sounds like an amazing week for the kids, I can't imagine any service academy would not offer an appointment if the candidate didn't participate.
 
CS AND OP, Ok there are openings that come available for girls state. I would think the same for Boys State. My dd and one other girl in her hs were nominated. The women's group paying for girls state cut the check and the school did not send the funds immediately. In 2 weeks girls state filled up. She was number 52 for the wait list. While dd was at NJROTC leadership a week before girls state I called to see if any openings came up. 1 slot was available!

Find out about a wait list and get on wait list

Keep the week of BoyState open

Check back

Good luck :)
 
Last edited:
My cadet did not attend Boys State either. It conflicted with his week at SLE. He's a cadet, so if you aren't able to attend, don't sweat it. Look for other leadership opportunities closer to home.
 
my son did not attend cuz it was same time as SLE, instead he went on a mission trip abroad, i heard great things about boy/girl state but if it's very difficult in your state find something else easier to do??
 
Back
Top