Learn today.

Lead tomorrow.

Since 1938, our mission is to teach North Carolina’s rising high school seniors the principles of American government through real participation in a model state, complete with governing bodies and elected officials. 

Boys State is a leadership program of action. Participants learn the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of franchised citizens. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county, and state governments. Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, distinguished guest speakers, and recreational programs.

Boys State delegates benefit from learning how to:

• build coalitions,

• navigate disagreements,

• think independently,

• find inner confidence and support others

American Legion posts select rising high school seniors to attend the program. In most cases, individual expenses are paid by a sponsoring post, a local business, or another community-based organization.

Boys State programs currently exist in all Legion departments in the United States except Hawaii. For more info on the general Boys State, click here.