Florida Boys State 2026

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Empowering Future Leaders Through Civic Engagement

American Legion Boys State is one of the nation’s most respected and selective educational programs for high school students, focusing on government, leadership, and civic responsibility. Founded in 1935 by two Illinois Legionnaires—Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card—Boys State was created to counter the influence of socialist youth programs and provide a hands-on experience in democratic government.

At Boys State, students become active participants in a simulated local, county, and state government. Each delegate learns the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of American citizenship in an immersive, non-partisan environment.

At Florida Boys State, delegates ("citizens") gain real-world insight into how government functions by role-playing as lawmakers, campaigners, judges, city officials, and more. The experience includes:

• Campaigning and Elections: Students run for office and are elected to positions in a simulated city, county, and state government.
   
• Legislative Sessions: Citizens write, propose, debate, and vote on bills—just like real legislators.
   
• Civic Instruction: Delegates receive education in parliamentary procedure, the judicial process, and Florida’s political history.
   
• Political Engagement: Participants are assigned to one of two mythical parties—the Nationalists or Federalists—to encourage constructive debate and non-partisan problem-solving.
   

This dynamic format ensures that students don’t just learn about democracy—they live it.

Boys State is strictly non-partisan. All political activity is conducted without any connection to actual political parties or ideologies. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding of democratic principles and the personal responsibility required of engaged citizens.

Through this program, young men develop leadership skills, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for civic duty—all in an environment free from propaganda and partisan bias.

The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a parallel program for young women called Girls State, which offers the same immersive civic learning and leadership training.