Leadership and civics
American Legion Boys Nation
Boys Nation is a About 1 week residential program run by The American Legion. Open to: boys State participants (rising seniors).
- Last cycle's deadline
- Not posted
- 2027 date not posted yet
- Cost
- Not posted
- Who can apply
- Grade 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- About 1 week
- Residential
What students do
Delegates act as U.S. senators in a mock Senate in Washington, D.C. They hold party conventions and sessions and visit national landmarks.
- Federal government
- Mock Senate
- Civics
- Leadership
Key facts
- Run by
- The American Legion
- Where
- Washington, DC (residential)
- Who can apply
- Boys State participants (rising seniors)Only students who attended Boys State that year can be chosen; there is no direct application.
- Dates
- July 17 to 25, 2026 (80th session); the 81st session is scheduled for summer 2027These are the 2026 dates. 2027 dates are not posted yet.
- Cost
- Not posted
- Deadline
- Not posted
- Selectivity
- Two delegates are selected from each Boys State program.
How a mentor helps with your Boys Nation application
- Decide whether Boys 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 Boys Nation deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALA Girls NationAmerican Legion Auxiliary | Washington, DCResidential | ALA Girls State participants entering their senior year | 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 Boys Nation application deadline?
The program has not posted a deadline. Check the official site.
Who can apply to Boys Nation?
Boys State participants (rising seniors). Only students who attended Boys State that year can be chosen; there is no direct application.
How hard is it to get into Boys Nation?
Two delegates are selected from each Boys State program.
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.
