2007 Texas Boys State June 2nd-8th at the University of Texas
 

General
The American Legion Boys/Girls State Program is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school juniors (boys and girls).  It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the operation of their local, county and state government through the concept of “Learn by Doing”. 

At the national level, Boys State is administered by The American Legion and Girls State is administered by The American Legion Auxiliary.  Boys and Girls State programs are scheduled annually within each state for approximately one week in duration and are typically conducted in a local university setting but at separate locations and dates.

Students are selected by local American Legion/Auxiliary Posts to attend the program.  In most cases, expenses associated with attending this program are paid for by a sponsoring American Legion/Auxiliary Post, a local business or another community-based organization.

Participants are exposed to the rights, privileges, duties and responsibilities of a franchised citizen.  The students go through the elective process for various offices of the city, county and state government.  Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.

Texas Boys State
American Legion Boys State is currently conducted in 49 State Departments of The American Legion. The State of Hawaii does not conduct a program.  As separate corporations, Boys States vary in content and method of procedure.  Each Boys State adheres to the basic concept of the program - that of teaching government, character, leadership and values of Americanism from the township to the state level.

Within the State of Texas The American Legion Boys State program is referred to as Texas Boys State and it is administered by The American Legion Department of Texas.  Texas Boys State is conducted annually, typically during the first week in June on the main campus of the University of Texas, Austin.

Texas Bluebonnet Girls State
The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for young women called Girls State.  Within the State of Texas, American Legion Girls State is referred to as Texas Bluebonnet Girls State and it is administered by the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Texas.  Bluebonnet Girls State is typically conducted annually at the end of June on the main campus of Texas Lutheran College, Sequin, TX.

Texas Bluebonnet Girls State is a mythical 51st state where for a week participants organize their own city, county, and state governments.  They elect their own officials. They learn the duties of the various city, county and state offices. They introduce and debate their own bills in a mock legislature.  The program concludes with a visit to the State Capitol building in Austin where the girls are given an opportunity to sight-see and meet state officials.  The purpose of Texas Bluebonnet Girls State is to educate young women in the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship.

The administrative staff and counselors are young women who are well trained and experienced leaders. They are women of high ideals who are recognized as being responsible persons in their respective communities.  The girls are properly chaperoned with counselors in constant attendance.  Girls are not allowed to leave the grounds except for scheduled trips with the entire group.

Selection Criteria
General:  Each year, the Onion Creek American Legion Post 326 Executive Committee considers a budget request to fund multiple appointments to Texas Boys State and Texas Blue Bonnet Girls State.  Selected high schools within the service area of Post 326 are eligible for consideration as educational partners in this program.  For the 2008 program year the approved participating high schools consist of Jack C. Hays, Bowie, St Michaels Academy, St Andrews Academy, Akins and Crockett High Schools. 

Texas Boys State:  For the 2008 program year an expected minimum of seven (7) Boys State appointments will be made with a total funding of $1,750.

Texas Bluebonnet Girls State:  The Post 326 service area does not have an active American Legion Auxiliary Post.  Under a special waiver and approval by the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Texas, American Legion Department of Texas and the Tenth District, Post 326 is permitted to make Texas Bluebonnet Girls State appointments each year.  For the 2008 program year an expected minimum of five (5) Girls State appointments will be made to eligible educational partners in the area served by Post 326.  The total number of 2008 Bluebonnet Girls State appointments will represent a total funding of $1,750.

Criteria:  Candidates who have completed their junior year of high school and have at least one more semester of high school remaining are considered eligible to participate.  Any candidate who has previously attended Boys/Girls State is not eligible to attend a second session.  Only candidates with outstanding qualities of leadership, character, academic excellence and service to their schools and community are considered for nomination.  Most programs require a medical/parental consent certificate signed by a parent and a licensed medical practitioner.  The selection process often differs in the various Departments of The American Legion.

2008 Boys/Girls State Milestone Schedule
Friday-February1st:  Counselor organizes a Nominee Candidate (Scholarship) Selection Committee.

Tuesday-February 12th:  Counselor coordinates the selection of 3 Boys State and 3 Girls State Nominees.  Coordinates the completion of each Boys/Girls State Application and Nominee Questionnaire Form.

Friday-February 15th:  Counselor submits completed and signed Nominee Registration and Applications to Ken Baucom, Chairman, Post 326 Boys/Girls State Committee.  Please note the Nominee's narrative should be submitted as a separate MS word document.  (PLEASE...NO HAND WRITTEN NARRATIVES)

Friday-February 22nd:  Post 326 Boys/State Committee Chairman provides 3-ring binders containing selection documents of each Nominee to members of the Interview and Selection Team.

Tuesday-February 26th & Thursday-February 28th:  Post 326 Boys/Girls State Committee (Interview and Selection Team) conducts Nominee Interviews at the Onion Creek Club.  (Note:  All dates are subject to final confirmation and availability with the Onion Creek Club.)

Friday-February 29th:  Post 326 will make the final selection of Candidates to attend Boys and Girls Sate and will notify the respective school Counselors and selected Candidates.

Boys/Girls State Program Forms and Information
For more information about admission to either Texas Boys State or Bluebonnet Girls State, please contact your high school Counselor, American Legion Post 326 or the following organizational web sites:

The American Legion Department of Texas

Texas Boys State

The American Legion Auxiliary

Bluebonnet Girls State