Welcome to Illinois Boys State. Our program is one of the American Legion's Youth Programs. Founded in 1935 in Illinois, Boys State is now a national program practiced in 48 states. The program has been developed on the fundamental assumption that youth can best 'learn to do by doing.' The mechanics of government in Illinois Boys State are patterned after the established agencies of city, county, and state government in Illinois. For all practical purposes, Illinois Boys State may be regarded as a mythical 51st state with a constitution, body of law, and practices peculiar to it alone. Our student to staff ratio is 8:1, so plenty of personalized attention is given to all of our citizens.

Boys State is a common college application activity at highly competitive schools. Participation in the program demonstrates good citizenship, leadership, and a sense of responsibility to our country. One could consider participation in Boys State the "National Honor Society" of citizenship. In Illinois, participants are sponsored in numerous different fashions, including: parents, schools, school organizations, civic organizations, banks, and Legion Posts, to name a few. If your child attends, he is more than welcome to bring a sponsored friend. There is no limit to the number of students that may attend from any particular school.

Eligible participants have just completed their junior year in high school. We offer nine $1000 scholarships each year to participants as well. Information about those scholarships can be found here on the website.

Take a look around the website to learn about the program. Read some of the testimonials of past citizens and parents of citizens. If you have any questions, feel free to email the webmaster of this site.