Applications open for annual Boys State program
JACKSON'S MILL, W.Va. (WBOY) — A program of the American Legion designed to teach civic engagement to high school juniors is taking applications for its 86th session this summer.
The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State will return to Jackson's Mill from June 8 to June 14.
The annual summer program aims to create a government of a 51st state in the image of the West Virginia state government.
The program takes the student citizens of Boys State through the political process from party platforms to campaigns to elections, before electing a slate of officials for the new state.
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In addition to electing city, county, and state officials, Boys State also highlights other careers connected to government, including emergency services, journalism, forensics and more.
Boys State Director Robbie Robinson said Boys State doesn't just instill good government practices, it also helps prepare them for life after graduation.
'The boys that are here are junior boys,' said Robinson. 'Next year, they'll be graduating and going out into the workforce or into college or or whatever they've chosen as their career. This could give them a boost.'
Teaching civic engagement is important to the volunteer staff, but it's also a way to help make a mark on the state's future as well.
'Some of these boys will go on to be leaders in business, leaders in government, leaders in the military, and these are all things that we're paying it forward to improve our society and to hopefully continue our form of government,' said Assistant Director Matt Sampson.
The American Legion Auxiliary also organizes the Rhododendron Girls State every year; it's currently held at Davis & Elkins College in Elkins.
You can find more information on how to apply to either Boys State or Girls State on their websites.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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