Eligibility & Selection

The American Legion Department of Washington Evergreen Boys State Executive Board has established the below qualifications and eligibility guidelines for prospective Evergreen Boys State citizens. The American Legion Department of Washington Auxiliary has a similar program for girls called Evergreen Girls State.

Eligibility for participation in Citizens of Evergreen Boys State program is as follows:

• Only male students who have successfully completed their junior year of high school and have at least one more semester of high school remaining are eligible to be considered.
• Previous attendees of a Boys State program are not eligible for a second session.
• Boys exhibiting exceptional qualities of leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty, and service to their schools should be considered.

The selection process may vary among American Legion Posts. In some cases, junior class advisors or other instructors recommend qualified young men. The final selection is made by the sponsor, often the local American Legion Post, from these recommendations. All applicants must be selected and approved by a local American Legion Post Commander or a local Evergreen Boys State Post Recruiter. For School Administrators and Local Post Recruiters, a Recruiter’s Handbook containing essential forms and applications is available for download on this website.

Evergreen Boys State is committed to ensuring access for all young men, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. The program costs $500, but financial assistance – up to the full $500 cost – is available. Students with financial need can request tuition assistance from a local American Legion Post and/or a Sponsor.

In the selection process, merit and ability should be the primary criteria.

The American Legion Evergreen Boys State program complies with federal ADA laws. If a student has special needs, the program may require a medical/parental assistant and a consent certificate signed by a parent and a registered doctor. Any additional expenses incurred due to existing medical needs during The American Legion Evergreen Boys State program will be the responsibility of the sponsor or the parents.