What is ALA Girls State?
The American Legion Auxiliary’s marquee Girls
State program, first presented in 1937,
is one of the most respected and coveted
experiential learning programs presented in the
United States.
The program epitomizes the ALA’s
mission to honor those who have brought us our
freedom through our enduring commitment to
develop young women as future leaders grounded
in patriotism and Americanism. The young women
become knowledgeable of the democratic process
and how our republic form of government works at
the state and national levels.
Each summer, approximately 20,000 young
women participate in weeklong ALA Girls State
programs across the nation. Every American
Legion Auxiliary
Girls State program
operates with the
same patriotic values
through a nonpartisan
curriculum where
students assume the
roles of government
leaders, campaigning
as “Federalists” and
“Nationalists” to
become mayors and county and state officials of
their ALA Girls State.
The program is a weeklong
immersive learning experience held on a college
campus where girls live in “cities” within the
dormitory. The learning, experience, memories,
and friendships last a lifetime.