Leadership and civics
ALA Girls Nation (American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation)
ALA Girls Nation is a 7-day residential program run by American Legion Auxiliary. Open to: aLA Girls State participants entering their senior year.
- Last cycle's deadline
- Not posted
- 2027 date not posted yet
- Cost
- Not posted
- Who can apply
- Grade 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 7 days
- Residential
What students do
Participants serve as senators in a mock federal legislature, submitting and debating bills and electing a president and vice president. The week includes visits to Capitol Hill, monuments and Arlington National Cemetery.
- Federal government
- Mock Senate
- Civics
- Leadership
Key facts
- Run by
- American Legion Auxiliary
- Where
- Washington, DC (residential)
- Who can apply
- ALA Girls State participants entering their senior yearOnly students chosen at their ALA Girls State program can attend; there is no direct application.
- Dates
- July 18 to 25, 2026These are the 2026 dates. 2027 dates are not posted yet.
- Cost
- Not posted
- Deadline
- Not posted
- Selectivity
- Two students are chosen from each ALA Girls State program, about 100 senators in total.
How a mentor helps with your ALA Girls Nation application
- Decide whether ALA Girls Nation fits, and which similar programs to apply to alongside it.
- Work backward from the deadline so essays, recommendations, and forms are not left to the last week.
- Draft and revise the essays or short answers with one-on-one feedback.
Email me the ALA Girls Nation deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boys NationThe American Legion | Washington, DCResidential | Boys State participants (rising seniors) | Not posted | Not posted |
| USSYPUnited States Senate and The Hearst Foundations | Washington, DCResidential | High school juniors and seniors | Free with stipend | Varies by state; December 1, 2026 is the national deadline for states to submit their selections |
| ALA Girls StateAmerican Legion Auxiliary | Multiple locationsResidential | High school students who have completed their junior year | Free | Not posted |
| Boys StateThe American Legion | Multiple locationsResidential | High school juniors | Not posted | Not posted |
| Leadership SeminarsUniversity of Notre Dame Office of Pre-College Programs | Notre Dame, INResidential | Current high school juniors | Free | January 20, 2027 |
All leadership and civics programsPrograms in Washington, D.C.Every program
Frequently asked questions
When is the ALA Girls Nation application deadline?
The program has not posted a deadline. Check the official site.
Who can apply to ALA Girls Nation?
ALA Girls State participants entering their senior year. Only students chosen at their ALA Girls State program can attend; there is no direct application.
How hard is it to get into ALA Girls Nation?
Two students are chosen from each ALA Girls State program, about 100 senators in total.
Read from the program’s own site and last checked 2026-10-09. Programs change dates, fees, and requirements each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with this program.
