ALA Girls State/Girls Nation are non-partisan civics programs aimed at providing students, who are currently completing or have just completed their junior year in high school, with an intensive week of studying responsible citizenship, government, and leadership through experiential learning. Attendees spend the week self-governing their model municipalities by electing officials, debating bills, and solving community issues. At the end of the program, ALA GS aims to have citizens leave with a better understanding of local and state government. Those that participate in the program should feel prepared to become an active citizen within their communities.
The participants can be sponsored by an American Legion Post, American Legion Auxiliary Unit, their school, or any other organization or business within their community. The program is built on the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary’s foundation of Americanism and God and Country; in the spirit of service not self.