Program Information Boys Statement Features   Florida's Premier Youth Leadership Program How to Attend 2008 Program Other Programs Overview | Objectives | Program Highlights | Political Organization | Eligibility and Selection | Transportation | Sponsorships and Funding | Medical and Physical Requirements | Earn College Credit | Boys Nation | Other Information and Facts | Application Process Eligibility and Selection The American Legion has established certain qualifications for prospective Boys State citizens. Selection of those to attend Boys State is based on the following: Only males who have successfully completed their junior year of high school and have at least one semester of high school remaining. Any boy who has previously attended a Boys State is not eligible to attend a second session. Outstanding qualities of leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty and service to their schools and community should be considered. An interest in the governmental process. Above average scholastic standing - 3.2 GPA or equivalent. The prospective delegate and their parents must be residents of the state of Florida. Each Post is assigned a quota based on their membership. A recommended list of candidates to interview is made by high school at which the eligible boys are enrolled. Posts will interview those recommended and make their selections based on the interview and other criteria such as a resume or written assignment. Those not selected as primary delegates become alternates in case a primary delegate cannot attend. Transportation Transportation to and from the program is the responsibility of the local Post. Each District within The American Legion arranges bus charters or other means of transportation to and from the program. If a delegate misses their charter, it is their responsibility to arrive in Tallahassee at the appropriate time. Delegates are not allowed to drive their cars to Tallahassee as there is no parking available for them. Sponsorships and Funding Legion Posts may solicit sponsorships from other organizations. Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Masons, Knights of Columbus and other patriotic or civic organizations help sponsor delegates to Boys State. All fees are paid by the local American Legion Post. Parents are not allowed to buy their sons way into Boys State, and parents of boys selected to attend Boys State will not be asked to pay the registration fee. Medical and Physical Requirements All delegates must be able to actively participate in the program for the full week. A special medical insurance policy covers delegates at the program, but is excess to any and all other insurance. Boys State Application Process This year, a new process has been established to assist the Posts in making their selections for delegates to attend Boys State. An application is now necessary as part of the process. There are several ways to obtain an application to be interviewed for Boys State. Applications are given out at the local High School by the Guidance Counselor or other individual who is working with the local American Legion Post. Applications are handed out by the local American Legion Post. Application can be downloaded from the internet in a PDF format. (If this method is used, the applicant must take the application to the local American Legion Post who serves his high school. - A list of American Legion Posts can be found on the web site under the Post Locator link) After the Post receives the applications, they will schedule interviews to make their selections on who will chosen delegates and who will be alternates. Earn College Credit Since Boys State is an instructional program in local and state government, delegates will have an opportunity to earn 3 hours of college credit. Tallahassee Community College offers a dual enrollment/dual credit program in cooperation with county school systems in the state. Applications are given to each delegate upon being accepted to attend Boys State. Course work includes exercises to be completed prior to Boys State, testing on material presented during the program and the completion of a Learning Objective Log at the end of the program. Credit will also be given through the local high school for a social science requirement. Other Information and Facts This is a voluntary program. It is not a sports camp, but a highly structured instructional program in local and state government. We operate under a strict set of rules which must be accepted by each potential delegate. Parents of delegates need to understand how the program operates and what type of students will be attending. Although it is not a "boot camp", we do utilize moving about the campus in a military like manner in order to maintain order and discipline. We also conduct roll calls to make sure everyone is accounted for at all times. Many traditions are found at Boys State. The American Legion creed "For God and Country" is taken very seriously. Each session is opened and closed with prayer. The pledge to the flag of our country and other flag ceremonies are conducted. We respect all religious beliefs and no one is forced to participate in any religious or patriotic ceremony. The American Legion Boys State program does not receive any Federal, State or other public funds. All monies are raised through the local Posts and our counseling staff are all volunteers.