Boys-Girls State

Tar Heel Boys’ State is sponsored by The American Legion Department of North Carolina. It is an intense workshop concentrating on North Carolina state government and politics. Some 500 rising high school seniors representing all geographic areas of North Carolina participate annually in this program. Since 2003 the sessions have been held on the campus of Catawba College, Salisbury, NC.

The American Legion believes there is no better way to assure the survival of our great republic than to train our young people in the ideals and objectives of American government. By teaching the youth of our state and nation to understand and appreciate the basic principles involved in the successful management of a democratic society, we can keep America strong and ensure freedom for future generations. Tar Heel Boys’ State teaches the preservation of our form of government that depends on intelligent, informed and loyal citizens in combination with government activities.

American Legion Auxiliary Tar Heel Girls State is a week-long workshop in the legislative process sponsored by the North Carolina American Legion Auxiliary. North Carolina’s program is the longest continuously-running Girls State program in the United States. For a week in June, approximately 250 of North Carolina’s most promising rising high school senior girls from every part of the state come together to learn about and participate in various parts of government.