American Legion Boys State and Boys Nation: A week that shapes a lifetime

American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students. A participatory program in which students become part of the operation of local, county and state government, Boys State was founded in 1935 to teach participants about the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. Two representatives from each Boys State programs represent their state at Boys Nation in Washington, D.C., where the young leaders receive an education on the structure and function of federal government. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors separate but similar Girls State and Girls Nation programs for young women.