Auxiliary Unit 419 sponsors several local and nearby schools in the county. Feel free to contact us at alaunit419santaclara@gmail.com about the schools we sponsor. Read below for the history of Girls State and how students are selected. See the Girls State brochure and a past Girls State newsletter written by attendees. By the way, the Legion sponsors a similar program for young men called Boys State.
Since 1937, American Legion Auxiliary units in all 50 states proudly host ALA Girls State. The program is designed to increase awareness and knowledge of governmental processes while teaching young women about the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of citizenship. California Girls State is held for a week in June every year and is attended by students representing their high school as delegates. This program will likely be different from any other program you have attended in the past. In most cases, expenses associated with attending this program are paid by a sponsoring Auxiliary unit, a local business or another community-based organization. Delegates are responsible for their travel expenses, but a grant may be available for those in need.
Female high school students who have completed their junior year are competitively selected and sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary units for this program. The girls learn about the political process by selecting officials for all levels of state and local government among their peers and actively running a mock government. The art of civil debate is one of the main skills learned at this premier program. Many ALA Girls State participants have gone on to a lifetime of service to our country in the military, civil service, or advocacy. Though the week is filled with many learning opportunities, there is always time for fun and the formation of long-term friendships. Near the end, delegates will learn about grant and scholarship opportunities as a result of attending this prestigious program.
At the end of the week, two outstanding girls are selected from each ALA Girls State program to attend ALA Girls Nation. These “senators” meet for a week in Washington, D.C., where they run for political office, campaign and debate for the passage of legislation; and meet with their real-life counterparts on Capitol Hill. Capping off the week of ALA Girls Nation is a possible meeting at the White House with the President of the United States.
Candidates for the Girls State program should be keenly interested in government and current events, have high moral character, and show strong leadership abilities. You don't need to be an expert on politics or the government to have a fulfilling experience at Girls State. It's okay for delegates to arrive with different levels of understanding of how these processes work in real life.
Visit the links below for more information.
Auxiliary Scholarships & Youth Programs Brochure
Past Student Newsletter 75th Session (2018)