California - BOYS & GIRLS STATE

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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.

At Boys and Girls State, participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county and state governments. Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys and Girls State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs.

Legion posts select high school juniors to attend the program. In most cases, individual expenses are paid by a sponsoring post, a local business or another community-based organization.

Boys and Girls State programs currently exist in all Legion departments in the United States except Hawaii. As separate corporations, Boys and Girls State programs vary in content and method of procedure, but each adheres to the same basic concept, teaching government from the township to the state level.

The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for young ladies called Girls State. For online details visit  http://www.boysandgirlsstate.org/girls.html