Leadership and civics
American Legion Boys State
Boys State is a residential program run by The American Legion. Open to: high school juniors.
- Last cycle's deadline
- Not posted
- 2027 date not posted yet
- Cost
- Not posted
- Who can apply
- Grade 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- Not posted
- Residential
What students do
Students run a mock state government, with elections and legislative sessions, at a program held in their own state. Each state's American Legion department runs its own session, usually on a college campus.
- Government
- Civics
- Leadership
- Mock legislature
Key facts
- Run by
- The American Legion
- Where
- Multiple locations (residential)
- Who can apply
- High school juniorsFirst-time participants only; candidates are recommended by their school and selected by a local American Legion post.
- Dates
- Varies by state, late May through June 2026 (for example Texas June 7 to 12, Michigan June 21 to 27)These are the 2026 dates. 2027 dates are not posted yet.
- Cost
- Not posted
- Deadline
- Not posted
What the application asks for
- Interview
Schools recommend candidates to the local American Legion post, which interviews and selects delegates; details vary by state.
How a mentor helps with your Boys State application
- Decide whether Boys 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 Boys State 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 StateAmerican Legion Auxiliary | Multiple locationsResidential | High school students who have completed their junior year | Free | 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 Boys State application deadline?
The program has not posted a deadline. Check the official site.
Who can apply to Boys State?
High school juniors. First-time participants only; candidates are recommended by their school and selected by a local American Legion post.
What does the Boys State application require?
Interview. Schools recommend candidates to the local American Legion post, which interviews and selects delegates; details vary by state.
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.
