Selection Process
ALA Girls State delegates are a diverse group of young women with a shared desire to learn and lead. ALA Girls State “citizens” come together from small towns, big cities, and rural areas to hold ALA Girls State elections, and their varied backgrounds set the stage for a week of spirited, experiential learning.
American Legion Auxiliary units work with local high school educators to identify girls who have demonstrated leadership qualities. Eligible female students are then recommended and selected by sponsoring American Legion Auxiliary units. Each ALA Girls State program and/or ALA unit determines the process they will use to select the delegates for their state. The number of ALA Girls State citizens varies by state and is determined by each state’s American Legion Auxiliary resources.
Female high school juniors interested in applying to attend ALA Girls State are encouraged to contact either their school counselor, their local American Legion Auxiliary unit, or visit the ALA Girls State programs website regarding the application process and deadline.
Cost
The costs of ALA Girls State programs are underwritten by each state-level American Legion Auxiliary. ALA Girls State delegates’ registration fees are paid for by the sponsoring local American Legion Auxiliary unit, with additional support and funding sometimes coming from various civic and nonprofit organizations. Participating young women may incur nominal expenses for transportation, site-specific fees, or contributions to an optional service project.
ALA Girls State Headlines from the ALA Blog
2025/12/02
Poppy presentation at ALA Girls State inspires a poem
2025/07/14
A week that influenced a college decision
2025/06/18
Lasting memories and friendships for Arkansas alumna
2025/03/19
The connections of ALA Girls State — from childhood friends to career opportunities
2024/11/18
ALA Girls State alumna now serves as an ALA unit president
2024/10/14
