American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program is an empowering experience for female high school students who have completed their junior year. This immersive program, sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary units, provides young women with a unique opportunity to learn about the political process, government structure, and responsible citizenship.
Female high school students are competitively selected and sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary units to participate in Girls State. These students, with a keen interest in government and current events, embark on a week-long journey to actively engage in the political process.
Upon arrival, participants are assigned to mock cities and align with either the "Federalist Party" or the "Nationalist Party." The program's structure mirrors the state and local government setup, allowing girls to elect officials for various levels of government and actively run a mock government.
ALA Girls State focuses on nonpartisan, governmental, patriotic, and civic objectives. Dedicated ALA volunteers assist in ensuring these objectives are met through interactive learning experiences. While the week is packed with educational opportunities, participants also have time for fun activities and the formation of long-term friendships.
Despite variations in the structure of state and local governments, all ALA Girls State programs adhere to the same basic core values. The program instills responsible citizenship and a deep love for God and Country in young women, preparing them for their future roles as adult citizens.
Since its inception in 1937, the Girls State program has provided nearly 1 million young women with firsthand knowledge of how their state and local government functions. This legacy continues as participants spend an intensive week working as self-governing citizens, gaining practical insights into the workings of government.
As a culmination of the Girls State experience, two outstanding participants from each program are selected to attend Girls Nation, a national government training program. During this week in Washington, D.C., "senators" run for political office, campaign for legislation, and may even meet with state representatives and senators. The week often concludes with a meeting with the President of the United States at the White House.