By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
High school seniors looking for programming that will help them step out into the world, the Maryland Boys and Girls State programs may be the right opportunity. Applications are currently being accepted for the program.
The Maryland Boys and Girls State program, two separate programs hosted by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary, respectively, is a week-long, volunteer-led civic program, where students build a mock city, county and state government.
The American Legion is a veterans’ community service organization for military service members. The American Legion Auxiliary is a separate, affiliated group for female relatives and female veterans, supporting the Legion while operating under its own mission.
With the supervision of alumni and other volunteers, the students participate in elections, court sessions and legislative debates.
“Our tagline is simple: It’s a week that shapes a lifetime,” said David Heredia, chief administrator for Maryland Boys State. “Maryland’s Boys and Girls State is more than just a summer program. It’s a leadership pipeline for one week where our young men and women don’t just learn about government, they are the government.”
“If we want better leadership 10 or 20 years from now, we need to invest in those 16 and 17-year-olds today and bring them into spaces where they can learn their voice matters,” he added.
Both the Maryland Boys and Girls State programs are run by volunteers, but Maryland Boys State is also run by veterans.
“We have seen young ladies come in who are so shy and reserved and wallflower-type young ladies… but they find their voice through this program and at the end of the week they are a different person,” said Roxanne “Rocky” Berry, director of Maryland Girls State.
Both the girls and boys programs take place over the course of week during the summer. In 2026, the girls program will take place at Salisbury University in Salisbury, Md. from June 21 to June 26. The boys program will take place from June 21 to June 27 at McDaniel College in Westminster, Md.
“We bring the girls in on a Sunday, and we hit the ground running,” said Berry. “We will go non-stop until Friday’s graduation.”
The boys program goes for seven days and the girls, six days. Through the Maryland Girls State program, more than 6,000 girls have participated, and over 9,000 boys have attended the Maryland Boys State program.
“When each girl arrives, they’re appointed or assigned to a city or a county…they mimic the five cities and the problems or the luxuries of each of those environments,” said Berry.
The girls even get a special visit from lobbyists during the week.
“We have a team of lobbyists who come in who actually work in Annapolis, and they argue four bills from the previous year,” said Berry.
The boys follow a highly structured schedule, waking at 5:30 a.m. and ending their activities late in the evening. Throughout the week, they engage in activities similar to the girls, while also building essential life skills through physical training and military-style discipline.
When asked how the program ensures broad access, Heredia said they have made it open to all eligible youth.
“Anybody can apply,” he said. “We especially want students from underrepresented communities to see that their voice belongs in these rooms.”
Students interested in Maryland Boys or Girls State can contact their guidance counselor, local American Legion or auxiliary or apply online. They recommend students find their own sponsor to cover program expenses, but if one cannot be secured, a sponsor will be provided at no cost.
Both Berry and Heredia encourage youth that might be interested in the program to sign up today. Berry advises submitting applications by May 1, 2026, to allow time for the confirmation process, which typically takes two to three weeks.
To apply for Maryland Boys or Girls State please visit mdboysgirlsstate.org.