Session

Click here to listen to a national radio interview on WGN!

On Independence Day, our Executive Director and our Director Contests discussed The American Legion and how the Premier Boys State program educates youth from all across Illinois.

Most participants are sponsored by their local American Legion post. However, anyone can be a sponsor of a participant. The registration fee is $400.

The registration fee includes:

• All program activities, classes, and guest speakers that occur during the session.
• The opportunity to compete in up to 10 scholarship contests.
• A chance to be selected for one of two all-expense-paid trips to Washington, DC in July for American Legion Boys Nation.
• A college-like experience including housing accommodations and meals provided on campus at Eastern Illinois University.
• Lifetime membership in the American Legion Illinois Premier Boys State Alumni Association.
• A week that shapes a lifetime.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• All boys must have completed one semester of 11th grade and must have one or more semesters in high school to complete after attending Boys State. Preference is given to those having completed their junior year.
• A boy is not allowed to attend more than one session of Boys State as a citizen.
• Unless excused for good cause by the sponsoring organization at the request of the boy’s parent or guardian, boys are required to use group transportation to or from Boys State when available.
• Attend all sessions and activities, and be present all week.
• Under special permission, a boy may check in late Saturday because of taking the ACT or SAT with prior approval or knowledge of Boys State Administration.

Those who meet the eligibility requirements and are interested in attending Boys State should contact their local American Legion post, guidance counselor, or emailing us for further information. Parents may also register their eligible children who meet the eligibility requirements by completing the registration form that is linked below.

Some American Legion districts offer bus transportation to and from the EIU campus. Using this transportation is encouraged, if available. Contact your local American Legion Post to check on availability in your area.

Parents may drive Citizens to and from Boys State or Citizens may drive themselves. However, car keys will need to be surrendered as Citizens may not drive their cars or leave campus during Boys State.

• Weather during Boys State cmay be hot, so dress for Illinois Boys State is casual: Polos, t-shirts, shorts, jeans, gym shoes, etc. are the usual dress. Citizens will not need dress clothes (suit, tie, dress pants, etc.) during Boys State.
•  An extra-long twin bed is provided in your dorm room; however, you will need to bring your own sheets, blankets and pillows or sleeping bag.
• Our standard practice is to randomly assign a citizen a roommate allowing them to have a college-like experience during the session.
• You will need to bring your own towels and toiletries including at least soap, shampoo, toothpaste/brush, etc.
• If you plan to participate in our intramural or individual sports program (basketball, softball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis or ultimate frisbee), remember to bring extra socks and underwear, along with protective gear, braces, etc. You may bring your own light sports equipment (football, basketball, Frisbee, racket/paddle, etc.); however, neither spikes nor cleats are permitted.
• Exercise equipment is available, so you may wish to bring workout clothes.
• You will want to bring a notebook and pens or pencils.
• Bring hangers to hang your clothing, if desired.
• Citizens are allowed to bring laptop computers and other electronic equipment but remain solely responsible for the care and safekeeping of those items.
• Alcohol, firearms, fireworks, or explosives of any kind are strictly prohibited.
• EIU is a non-smoking/tobacco-free campus (this includes vaping of any kind).
• Any items used for games of chance (playing cards, poker chips, etc.) are strictly prohibited.
• Campaigning & Materials:
  • There is a Boys State statute that prohibits bringing any pre-made and/or computer generated campaign materials or starting any aspects of a campaign prior to the conclusion of the first assembly on Saturday night.
  • A Boys State statute limits the amount that can be spent by a statewide candidate for a single statewide campaign to $40.00 of which no more than $20.00 can come from the candidate himself. You are, however, encouraged to bring supplies for making campaign materials (paper, poster board, markers, masking tape, etc). A campaign must have a Finance Director who must file an affidavit of the value of the materials used. You should bring proof of the cost of the supplies you bring in case you are challenged.  Campaign supplies may also be purchased at the EIU Union Bookstore during the Boys State session.

If for any reason you cannot complete the electronic application above please contact us at info@illinoisboysstate.org for further assistance.

Once you have completed the Registration form your local American Legion post will be in touch. If you have any further questions please reach out to info@illinoisboysstate.org.

After browsing our website if you have any additional questions please feel free to contact us.

Click on the PayPal Donate button below to support our program. To sponsor a full registration fee for one citizen donate $400 on the next screen.