Lindenwood University will partner with The American Legion Boys State of Missouri and The American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Girls State to host both programs on campus in June 2022.

During their week on campus, program students and staff will utilize Lindenwood’s beautiful campus, state-of-the-art facilities, classrooms, and dormitories.

“Lindenwood University is thrilled to welcome outstanding students from across Missouri to our campus this summer for Girls State and Boys State,” said Lindenwood University President Dr. John Porter. “These highly selective programs bring together talented students who are ready to make an impact in our world and Lindenwood is incredibly proud to welcome them to our campus.”

Hosting both events on Lindenwood’s campus will break new ground for both programs and allow them to establish advanced and valuable opportunities for attendees. Being that Lindenwood is a locally and nationally recognized university for their commitments to equality and inclusion, it was important for the partnership with Boys and Girls State to provide this new opportunity to student attendees. Both boys and girls will now be able to come together for select educational activities and assemblies that will provide them an equal opportunity and an elevated experience during the week. Similar to Lindenwood, both the Missouri Girls State and Missouri Boys State have a long history of hands on, merit-centered learning. All institutions focus on providing advanced learning experiences in atmospheres guided by values.

The American Legion Boys State of Missouri, which was formed in 1938, has since been providing high school junior boys with practical laboratory in citizenship, and leadership training.  

The American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Girls State formed shortly after the Boys State, in 1940, has been providing high school junior girls with hands-on approaches to governmental policy while offering them leadership and scholarship opportunities.

Programs operate as non-partisan “learn-by-doing” leadership programs, emphasizing the importance of citizens’ rights and responsibilities and public service in a democratic form of government through real world simulations.

Missouri Boys State and Missouri Girls State are among a few youth leadership programs to remain no-cost for high-school juniors by utilizing school district, private business, American Legion Post, American Legion Auxiliary Units, and service club donations to pay for the transformative experience both programs provide.

Partnering to host programs like these aligns with initiatives from Lindenwood’s five-year strategic plan, in particular, the Destination Lindenwood initiative, which strives to transform the university and the City of St. Charles into a welcoming and engaging college town that becomes the go-to destination for cultural, civic, and athletic events that attract student interest, community and corporate support, and love and appreciation for the Lions.

“Partnerships like this one are critical to our university as we expand the Destination Lindenwood initiative, a key part of our five-year strategic plan. We strive to partner with mission centric organizations who share our values, and we're eager to use our facilities to support the work of Boys State and Girls State,” said Vice President of Advancement and Communications Orrie Covert.

Lindenwood looks forward to welcoming these excellent students and top-notch youth leadership programs to its historic St. Charles campus this summer.