About The Program

Upon the subject of education… I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people may be engaged in.

-Abraham Lincoln

Life is about opportunity and what we do with the opportunities that come in front of us.

Utah Boys State is about opportunity.  The Counselors & Staff that volunteer to conduct the program are excited for the opportunity to play a small, but significantly important part in the story of your life.  We don’t just provide a uniquely positive, workshop and learning environment, our specialty is helping you build memories to last a lifetime.

At this moment in your life, opportunity is knocking, will you recognize it and seize upon it?

“Your State. Your Voice. Your Legacy”

Testimonials from Prior Attendees

The WHY behind U.S. History. I have attended a school since kindergarten, centered on the heritage of our great nation. But in one week, Boys State gave me the capstone “why” of my classroom education. Through an immersive experience with Veterans and active-duty soldiers, I learned that to understand America, you must understand the people who live and die for her.
Benjamin W.

Citizen

A social, incorporating learning experience. Boys State was fun. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would like it, but then as the week progressed, I became more confident and grew closer to my city and state members.
Heath G.

Citizen

A worthwhile experience and more. Boys state is not just a class, it’s an experience. At first glance you think it’s just a class that will teach you about government, bills and leadership. But on the first day, you realize it’s not just that, it’s more than you think. You will get invested in the activities really quick by the speeches, friends and most importantly determination. Totally worth the price.
Javier H.

Citizen

Amazing, tiring, interesting, worth it. My time at Boys State was amazing, there was never a point where I regretted going, it’s the best possible way to spend a week.
Porter A.

Citizen

Counselors

Cities

Participants

Days

Parents:

Boys State is an opportunity for our sons, grandsons and other young men in our lives to experience a hands-on practical education in how our system of government in Utah is designed to work.  Granted it is a fairly intense few days where boys are immersed in the inner workings of city, county and state government along with relevant leadership opportunities.  Boys are informed and often entertained by some of the best minds belonging to some of the most qualified and respected public figures in our state.  Veterans, first responders, educators, legal scholars all volunteer their time, talent and most importantly real-life experiences to secure a better understanding in our young men, of the duties and responsibilities, rights and privileges of American Citizenship.

Educators:

The Boys State program is a nationwide summer youth education program designed to augment high school civics.  It is considered a premier, once in a lifetime opportunity, often referred to as a week that will influence/change the life of a young man.

A better tomorrow always begins with educators and your influence toward a more informed citizenry.  Please invite the boys of your school to take the opportunity to learn about, investigate and potentially participate in the Utah Boys State program.  All boys that complete our course will receive three semester hours of elective college credit transferrable to nearly every college or university in the country; exceptional opportunity to receive scholarships, (see our scholarship tab for specifics) meet/associate & bond with boys from across the state, building life-long friendships all while learning a lot about our state government and even more about themselves.

Legion:

On behalf of the staff of The American Legion Department of Utah Boys State program, we express our most sincere appreciation and deepest respect to all the members of the Legion for your service, and continuing contribution to the betterment of this great nation.  We are a better nation because of veterans such as yourselves doing great work in your communities; engaged in youth activities, education, veteran’s assistance programs and so much more.

As members of the Legion, Veterans of the Armed Forces, we each hold dearly our commitment to the ideals of Americanism.  We do not take lightly our self-imposed obligation to ensure we’ve done our part in living up to and promoting love of flag, patriotism and democracy.  Please stand with us in support of the Great Americans that started the Boys State program, and with the many Great Americans that continue in their stead.  The choice is clear, and our nation’s youth deserve nothing less than our best effort.  God bless you and thanks for your service.

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