Mississippi American Legion Boys State is looking for rising high school seniors to join their leadership program this summer. Students can compete for scholarship opportunities throughout the program.
The program is hosted on the University of Mississippi campus from May 26-June 1. The cost to attend is $275.
Hunter Pace, the director of Mississippi American Legion Boys State, believes the program helps build character by getting them out of their comfort zone and the chance to gain leadership experience through a “learn by doing” approach.
The University of Mississippi, Mississippi State, Southern Mississippi and Millsaps College offer a one-time scholarship to any student that attends the American Legion program.
Boys State is a civic education program for rising male high school seniors focusing on government, leadership and service. The Mississippi program began in 1939 and this will be the fourth year the University of Mississippi will host the program. The University will continue to host the group through 2021.
The program builds leadership skills in their members by hearing from elected officials, building connections throughout the community and making friendships. Some of the speakers this year include: Sens. Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith, Congressman Trent Kelly, Gov. Phil Bryant, Attorney General Jim Hood, State Rep. Jay Hughes, Ole Miss Basketball Coach Kermit Davis, and ESPN sports writer Wright Thompson.
Applications to join Mississippi American Legion Boys State can be found on their website and are due May 20th, 2019.
