Boys State is a national program sponsored by the American Legion since 1937. Jersey Boys State is one of the NJ American Legion youth programs.

Girls State is a national program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary since 1937. Jersey Girls State is one of the NJ American Legion Auxiliary youth programs.

Both Boys State and Girls State are prestigious college-level, educational programs focusing on participation and personal experience in a model state, complete with governmental bodies and elected officials. They are designed to mirror the structure and operation of a typical state government, while providing training in practical citizenship, leadership and character development. College admissions counselors have said that this program is a significant addition to a student’s college application and resume. For more information about this wonderful opportunity, we encourage you visit the Jersey Boys State website at www.aljbs.org and Jersey Girls State website at https://jerseygirlsstate.wixsite.com/mysite/information-for-delegates-and-alter

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process starts mid-October of Junior year of high school.

The student must:

1. Contact their High School Counselor or local American Legion Post for information and interest.
2. The application process includes:
   
   1. Recommendation from High School Guidance Counselor to local American Legion Post
   2. Interview with the local American Legion Post
   3. Filling out Written or Online Application form for submission
   4. Obtaining required Signatures on the hard copy of the Application
   5. Submission of completed Application.

The student will be notified of acceptance to either Boys State or Girls State.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Boys State is currently being held on the Campus of Rider University in Lawrence Township, NJ.

Girls State is currently being held on the Campus of Georgian Court College in Lakewood, NJ.

Both programs are held during June at the completion of the student’s Junior Year of High School.

They are during the week of Father’s Day.

They are sleep-away, overnight programs.

American Legion Post 53 pays the tuition of students who are residents of Ridgewood, NJ that they select to sponsor.

Program dates for 2024 are: June 16-21, 2024.

Contact for information for Ridgewood Parents and/or Students:

Gerald Bucci geraldbucci@yahoo.com

Kathleen Jordan cogs527@gmail.com