Boys State & Girls State
Building leadership, citizenship, and service in the next generation
The American Legion’s Boys State and Girls State programs are among the most respected youth leadership programs in the nation.
Each year, high school juniors from across Maryland are selected to participate in a week-long immersive experience in government and civic leadership. Students form mock governments, run for office, debate legislation, and learn firsthand how democracy works.
Participants return home with a deeper understanding of citizenship, leadership, and public service.
Post 171 Sponsorship
American Legion Post 171 proudly sponsors students from the Damascus community to attend Maryland Boys State and Maryland Girls State each year.
Through the support of our members and community programs, Post 171 helps cover the cost of attendance for selected students from local high schools.
Students are nominated by their schools and selected based on leadership potential, academic achievement, and community involvement.
Maryland Boys State
Location: McDaniel College – Westminster, Maryland
Dates: June 21–27, 2026
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
Maryland Boys State brings together high school juniors from across the state to participate in a week-long immersive program focused on leadership, citizenship, and government. Participants create and operate mock city, county, and state governments, run for office, and debate legislation.
Maryland Girls State
Location: Salisbury University – Salisbury, Maryland
Dates: June 21–26, 2026
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
Maryland Girls State provides high school juniors the opportunity to experience the operation of government through leadership activities, mock elections, and civic engagement exercises. Participants gain a deeper understanding of citizenship and public service.
Why It Matters
For decades, Boys State and Girls State have helped develop the next generation of American leaders. Many alumni have gone on to serve as elected officials, military officers, judges, educators, and community leaders.
American Legion Post 171 is proud to support this tradition of leadership, citizenship, and service.Boys State and Girls State have inspired generations of young leaders.