The American Legion, Department of Wyoming, is pleased to announce the Wyoming Boys’ State session which will be held
June 7-13, 2026, at the University of Wyoming in Laramie.

The delegation consists of up to 100 of Wyoming’s top high school juniors who live in simulated cities, participate in the legislative and court systems and experience the election process. Attendance at Boys’ State weighs favorably on applications to many colleges, universities, and military academies, offers scholarship opportunities and three college credits are available to graduates.

You are an important part in the selection process. A local American Legion Post representative will work closely with you to identify junior class boys, who you recommend, to represent your school.

Although most delegates at Boys’ State are academically rated in the top 10% of their class, any boy who shows exceptional character and an interest in government may be considered as a candidate regardless of academic standing. Any junior boy who is in good standing at school may
apply.

Applications are initiated online through our website. Send any potential delegates to this website and have them follow the prominent links to apply. After they’ve entered their information, we will send them an email confirmation of your application. An American Legion or Boys’ State representative will be in contact with the student within 7 days. If they do not hear from someone, please contact your local representative, whose contact information is noted on the student’s application. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis.

Thank you in advance for your assistance and support of Boys’ State!

It is at the discretion of each Post to determine how, or if, they will refund any portion paid by the delegate.

Transportation

Transportation to and from Boys’ State is the responsibility of the Post. No arrangements are made by Boys’ State. Posts may arrange transportation by the Post, or arrange carpool options with parents. Delegates may also drive themselves, and will be required to surrender their keys when they arrive in Laramie. We ask about these arrangements at the time of registration, so please have this conversation with the delegates prior to them registering.

Process & Deadlines

Application Period: January 15 – May 15

In contrast to previous, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from January 15 – May 15.

Applications officially open on our website, www.wyoboysstate.org, on January 15. Applicants must utilize our online application. We cannot accept delegates who have not completely filled out the online application.

When the applicant fills out and submits the online form, you will be emailed a copy of their application. We ask that you contact the applicant within 7 days of receiving their application.

Selections and Acceptance

Selecting the delegates your post will sponsor is completely up to your post. Beyond the application they submit, you can request that students submit their transcript, an additional essay, or participate in an interview process to help you with your selection. Boys’ State does not have official criteria for acceptance. However, note that many of our past delegates either perform well academically, are involved in several co-curricular groups or athletics, or have a special interest in public service.

Once you have contacted the delegate and confirmed their attendance, you will need to access the email that was sent to you with their application. You will click the button labeled “Review Application” on that email. When you open the form, you will click through the form using the “Next” buttons to review the application one final time. You will then click on the “For American Legion Rep” button, and then be prompted to accept or deny the applicant to the session.

FOUR ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

1. As of now, there is no limit placed on the number of delegates you can send.

2.Do not let finances limit the number of delegates you send. If you have quality candidates, contact Boys’ State so we can make arrangements to cover their costs.

3.Again: applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from January 15 – May 15.

4.Build an alternate list in the event a primary is unable to attend.

Registration

When Boys’ State has received your confirmation of sponsorship, an email will be sent to the delegate to complete their registration online. We will utilize the email address the delegates list on their application. Please reiterate this with the delegates you select.

Once they have completed their registration, a final confirmation will be sent to you via email.