Youth Programs

American Legion Palmetto Boys’ State
The selection process begins in March and April of each year. Boys are nominated by their respective schools. Our Post selection committee interviews potential candidates for Boys State and determines those candidates our Post will send to Boys State. To be considered, a candidate must have a high GPA, be a rising senior, and show a strong interest in learning about our system of government. The boys selected by our Post will have all their fees paid and will receive a small stipend for incidentals. Boys State is normally conducted the first of June and lasts for one week at Anderson University, Anderson, SC.

After returning from Boys State, we request that each Boy attend one of our General Membership meetings and give us a short brief on his attendance and what he learned and how he can apply it in his life.

The American Legion’s Boys State program is a unique way for young men to learn about the American system of government and politics by participating in a mock governmental system.

Please contact John Banning at 864-230-0049 or jbanningpost214@gmail.com

American Legions State and National oratorical contest
The purpose of The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program “A Constitutional Speech Contest” is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership skills, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights, and privileges of American citizenship.  All details can be found at this website.

Please contact Bobby Davis at 864-313-5617 or rdavis0302@charter.net

American Legion Auxiliary Girls State
The Girls State program is very similar to Boys State. The Objectives of Girls State is to develop Leadership and pride in American Citizenship; to educate citizens about our system of Government; to instill a greater understanding of American traditions and to stimulate a desire to maintain our democratic government processes.

Eligibility is limited to girls in their junior year of high school who will be seniors in September. Applications and information is sent to the assigned high schools to distribute. Any eligible girl is able to complete an application and the applications are returned to the Auxiliary. The Auxiliary Girls State committee interviews the applicants and chooses the most qualified applicants to be delegates for the Palmetto Girls State that takes place in June. The chosen delegates are provided full tuition. After returning from Girls State, each young lady is asked to attend one of the American Legion Post meetings to give a brief account of their experience.

Developing leadership skills, confidence and action-based understanding of the government process gives young women a lasting foundation for success, both personally and professionally. The American Legion Auxiliary believes that educating youth about the basic ideals and principles of government will help ensure the survival of our democracy.  Details are available here.

ALA Girls State is a unique and exciting government-in-action learning program in which American Legion Auxiliary members guide young women to become knowledgeable stewards of freedom, democracy and patriotic citizens.

Please contact our President, Kathy Davis, at 864-270-0356 or kdavis0410@charter.net