Leadership and civics
ALA Girls State (American Legion Auxiliary Girls State)
ALA Girls State is a 1-week residential program run by American Legion Auxiliary. Open to: high school students who have completed their junior year.
- Last cycle's deadline
- Not posted
- 2027 date not posted yet
- Cost
- Free
- Who can apply
- Grade 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 1 week
- Residential
What students do
Students are assigned to mock cities and political parties, elect officials and run a mock state government for a week. Each state's American Legion Auxiliary runs its own program.
- Government
- Civics
- Leadership
- Mock government
Key facts
- Run by
- American Legion Auxiliary
- Where
- Multiple locations (residential)
- Who can apply
- High school students who have completed their junior yearParticipants are recommended and selected by a sponsoring local American Legion Auxiliary unit.
- Dates
- Varies by state
- Cost
- Program costs are underwritten by each state's American Legion Auxiliary and registration is paid by sponsoring local units; participants may have small costs for transportation
- Deadline
- Not posted
How a mentor helps with your ALA Girls State application
- Decide whether ALA Girls State 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 State deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boys StateThe American Legion | Multiple locationsResidential | High school juniors | Not posted | Not posted |
| ALA Girls NationAmerican Legion Auxiliary | Washington, DCResidential | ALA Girls State participants entering their senior year | Not posted | Not posted |
| Boys NationThe American Legion | Washington, DCResidential | Boys State participants (rising seniors) | 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 |
| 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 |
Frequently asked questions
When is the ALA Girls State application deadline?
The program has not posted a deadline. Check the official site.
How much does ALA Girls State cost?
Program costs are underwritten by each state's American Legion Auxiliary and registration is paid by sponsoring local units; participants may have small costs for transportation.
Who can apply to ALA Girls State?
High school students who have completed their junior year. Participants are recommended and selected by a sponsoring local American Legion Auxiliary unit.
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.
