What is Boys State?

 

Alabama Boys State is one of the highest honors granted to Alabama students. Students from across the state are chosen based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong morals, and motivation in school and community activities. Boys State week is a full and active week held on the campus of Troy University in Troy, Alabama.

 

At Boys State, student delegates will find the opportunity to build new friendships, participate in a mock government, and hear from and meet a diverse array of Alabama leaders such as Congressmen, state elected officials, business leaders, civic leaders, and others. Delegates will have the opportunity to join interest groups that focus on their individual areas of interest such as law school, fire college, law enforcement academy, aerospace academy, lobbyists, city government, county government, constitutional convention, engineer/computer academy, and environmental interest group. Delegates will also have activity time during which they can participate in recreational activities such as basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, academic bowl, etc.

 

The American Legion believes there is no better way to assure the survival of our republic than to train our young people in the ideals and objectives of American government. By teaching youth to understand and appreciate the basic principles involved in the successful management of a democratic society, we can keep America strong and ensure freedom for future generations. These are the distinguished, long-standing objectives of American Legion Boys States.

 

They are accomplished through a unique summertime program, one that emphasizes not classroom lectures or textbook learning, but participation and personal experience in a model state, complete with its governing bodies and elected officials.

 

Boys State was founded and its courses of instruction were designed to supplement the information taught in high school civic classes. Boys State teaches that our form of government is good but that its preservation depends on intelligent, informed, and loyal citizens in combination with an honest and impartial administration of government activities.

 

Young men chosen to be Boys State participants can look forward to a wonderful and challenging experience. All who attend can acquire a better understanding and regard for two of our nation’s benefits: freedom and democracy.

 

 

 

 

Purpose and Mission

 

Boys State seeks to educate our youth in the duties and privileges of American citizenship. It is a program of training in the practical aspects of government. Boys State offers delegates instruction in the machinery of American politics by placing delegates in the same positions of decision making as their real life counterparts. This instruction will give delegates a view of government from the municipal, county and state levels.

 

Delegates who are descendants of wartime Veterans are eligible and can apply for one of ten National Samsung Scholarships worth $20,000 each. Applications will be sent with each students’ Boys State acceptance letter. THE NATIONAL SAMSUNG SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION WILL BE COMPLETED ONLINE. The University of Alabama awards five leadership scholarships and other universities award scholarship for those who attend Boys State.

 

Sponsors

 

American Legion Posts have the responsibility of sponsoring students to attend Boys State. In the past, many civic groups, churches, PTAs, patriotic groups and individuals have sponsored students through their local posts by paying the registration fee and furnishing transportation. These groups will be welcome to do so again this year. It is desirable to have at least one student from every community in the state.

 

Nominations for Sponsorship

 

ONLY OUTSTANDING YOUNG MEN WHO ARE RISING SENIORS ARE ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND.

 

To be nominated for sponsorship, the student should contact their High School Counselor for detailed information  or contact Matthew Blount Post 555 Boys State Director at AlBoystate555@gmail.com 

 

One can visit Alabama Boys State Website at  http://alboysstate.org/about-al-bosys-state/

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American legion Alabama Boys State is generally scheduled during the last weekend in may to the first weekend in June at a State University.

 

Non-scholarship sponsored tuition is $225.

 

Matthew Blount Post 555 Sponsored Scholarships

 

Post 555 has a tradition of providing a minimum of two sponsored scholarships annually.  Additional scholarships are dependent on available funding.