Youth Programs

The American Legion has been a strong advocate for children and youth since its inception. This steadfast dedication has never wavered and continues to be a driving force on behalf of children across the country today.

Boys State and Boys Nation

Two representatives from each of the 49 Boys States then represent their state each year at Boys Nation in Washington, DC, where the young leaders receive an education on the structure and function of federal government.

Boys state is for high school juniors going into their senior year with at least one semester left of school. Boys participating in American Legion Colorado Boys State can receive up to 4 college credits. The costs of tuition and meals for participants is paid for by The American Legion.

During the week-long program, conducted on a college campus, Boys State participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. Participants learn about the political process by electing officials for all levels of state government and actively running a mock government. The entire program is non-partisan. 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, choruses and recreational programs.

Girls State and Girls Nation

Female high school students who have completed their junior year are selected and sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) units for this program, where they learn about the political process by electing officials for all levels of state government and actively running a mock government. To qualify to participate in ALA Girls State, girls must be in their Junior year of high school. The Colorado Girls State program is provided to qualified girls free of charge.

Assistance from dedicated ALA volunteers ensures the program’s nonpartisan governmental, patriotic, and civic objectives are carried out through interactive learning. Though the week is filled with many learning opportunities, there is always time for fun and the formation of long-term friendships.

Participants will learn about state and local government, elections, the legislative process, parliamentary procedure, civic engagement, patriotism, and more. Each day will be packed with opportunities for learning and engagement that you can bring with you back to your communities at the end of the week. 

Oratorical Scholarship Program

The American Legion Oratorical Program exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. The program presents participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. The contest also awards scholarships from $2,000 to $25,000.

High school students under age 20 are eligible. Competition begins at the post level and advances to a state competition. American Legion state departments certify one winner per state to the national contest, where department winners compete against each other for the national championship.

Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Speeches are eight to ten minutes long. Three to five minute speeches on an assigned topic also are part of the contest.

American Legion Baseball

American Legion Baseball enjoys a reputation as one of the most successful and tradition-rich amateur athletic leagues. Today, the program registers teams in all 50 states plus Canada. Each year young people, ages 13 to 19, participate. Since its inception in 1925, the league has had millions of players, including countless who have gone on to play in college and professional baseball, with 82 inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The league stands behind the traditional values upon which it was founded. American Legion Baseball has taught hundreds of thousands of young Americans the importance of sportsmanship, good health and active citizenship. The program is also a promoter of equality, making teammates out of young athletes regardless of their income levels or social standings. American Legion Baseball has been, and continues to be, a stepping stone to manhood for millions of young men who have gone on to serve their country or community, raise families or play the sport at the highest level.

Legion Baseball also has a reputation for awarding college scholarships to the young people who play for it. The league annually awards a total of $25,000 in scholarships. It awards $500 for a player selected from each state department based upon leadership, character, scholarship and financial need. In addition, Diamond Sports currently funds $25,000 in scholarships for the American Legion Baseball All-Academic Team. Eight players receive a $2,500 scholarship and the “Captain” of the All Academic Team receives a $5,000 scholarship.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary offer a number of scholarships and other resources to assist young people in their pursuit of higher education. There are opportunities for everyone, including kin of wartime veterans and participants in Legion programs.