A WEEK THAT SHAPES A LIFETIME
ARKANSAS BOYS STATE 2025
WHO?
Male high school juniors
WHEN?
MAY 25 – 30, 2025
WHERE?
university of central arkansas
REGISTRATION is open!
Educators (public, private, and homeschool), American Legion Posts, students, and Arkansas Boys State alumni are invited to learn more about Arkansas Boys State 2025, including how to register and how to support the attendance of students from your community.
TESTIMONIALS
FROM 2024 DELEGATES
“The brotherhood and the new experiences created at Arkansas Boys State are something that I wish everyone could experience.”
“Arkansas Boys State has made an impact on me that has completely changed my life. The friendships and brotherhoods I’ve established with other people are priceless. The counselors, especially my senior counselor, have changed me in indescribable ways. Not only that, but I’ve also learned a lot thanks to my School of Instruction track. It’s honestly just a great time altogether.”
“The experience of having to make friends on the fly and getting to hear their perspective and how they view the world is beneficial to all who participate. This experience changed my life and perspective on the world, and that taught me that having different opinions doesn’t necessarily one side is wrong.”
“What you learn here can change you for a lifetime and you meet many life-long friends.”
42nd President of the United States & 1963 Arkansas Boys State Delegate Bill Clinton
“I was never quite the same after I went to Boys State and Boys Nation — after I realized what government was, what its role in our life was, what citizens were supposed to do to make it work. I never took it for granted again.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Arkansas Boys State?
Arkansas Boys State is an immersive leadership and civics engagement program designed for high school juniors. Since 1940, the week-long camp has transformed the next generation of leaders throughout our state and beyond.
During their week at Arkansas Boys State, delegates are assigned a political party, city, and county. Throughout the week, delegates, from the ground up, administer this mock government as if it were real: they run for office, draft and pass legislation, solve municipal challenges, and engage constituents. By the week’s end, the delegates have experienced civic responsibility and engagement firsthand while making life-long memories and friends — all with our guiding principle that “Democracy Depends on Me.”
What can I expect at Arkansas Boys State?
Upon arrival at a Arkansas Boys State, each participant is assigned a mock political party, city, and county. Throughout the week, delegates administrate this mock government as if it were the real government. Every phase of the program includes practical instruction on the duties and responsibilities both of a citizen and of public officials. Citizens of a “Boys State” are instructed in the duties of the various public offices. After they learn the function of each office, its powers and limitations, they function in that role throughout the remaining week.
Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
- The “citizens” of each “Boys State” city and county nominate members of their individual parties to be candidates for the various city and county offices.
- Elections are held with the citizens conducting their own registration of voters and the actual balloting.
- Election boards serve at city, county and state elections, according to the laws of each state.
- Legislative, administrative and judicial programs are developed to hold the interest of all citizens.
- State legislative sessions, court trials, law and police schools, evening assemblies, bands and choral groups, etc., all involving boy citizens, are popular activities in a typical Boys State.
During the week, delegates also have opportunities to participate in:
- Leadership discussions about relevant political, pop culture, social, and historical topics
- Real-world simulations of business, commerce, journalism, media, law, administration, and more
- Daily recreation, including football and basketball championships, speech and debate, e-sports, and more
- Keynote lectures and Q&A sessions with business, political, and social leaders
By week’s end, Arkansas Boys State has created their own state government, including their own governor and staff of state officials, named appointive officers, established the state Supreme Court and other courts, and organized the legislature and all other divisions of government.
Is Arkansas Boys State good for my resume?
Yes! Many universities, colleges, and scholarship organizations revere American Legion Boys State as the premier leadership camp in the country today.
In addition, the leadership and communication skills learned while at Arkansas Boys State are invaluable to success in the workforce and provide great conversation points for your resume and job interviews.
Is this a liberal or conservative program?
No. Arkansas Boys State does not advocate for any one political or religious ideology.
Delegates at Arkansas Boys State are encouraged to think critically about what they believe, share those beliefs with others, and be open to new ideas and perspectives from their fellow delegates.
What extra curricular activities can I do when I'm at Arkansas Boys State?
Arkansas Boys State isn’t just running for office. While at the program, delegates also have the opportunity to participate in the following, plus much more:
- Band
- Choir
- Football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Color Guard
- Speech and Debate
- eSports
Are scholarships available for attendees?
Yes! Two particular scholarships are highlights of the program: the Governor’s Scholarship and the Samsung Scholarship.
The Governor’s Scholarship is available to the delegate who is elected Arkansas Boys State Governor — and is a full-ride scholarship to the University of Central Arkansas, Arkansas State University, or Henderson State University.
The Samsung Scholarship is available to eligible delegates who are a direct descendant – i.e. child, grandchild, great grandchild, etc. – or a legally adopted child of a wartime U.S. military veteran who served on active duty during at least one of the periods of war officially designated as eligibility dates for American Legion membership. Learn more.
As delegates apply for other scholarship opportunities, they should certainly list Arkansas Boys State on their resume and accomplishments. The program is respected nationwide in competitive awards and college admissions.