American Legion Youth Programs
American Legion Baseball
American Legion Baseball is a national institution, having thrived through a world war, several national tragedies, and times of great prosperity as well as great despair. The League still stands atop the traditional values upon which it was founded nearly 85 years ago. Since 1925, American Legion Baseball has taught hundreds of thousands of young Americans the importance of sportsmanship, good health and active citizenship. The program is also a promoter of equality, making teammates out of wealthy bankers’ and industrial workers’ sons, and erasing any social divide between them. Most importantly, American Legion Baseball has been, and continues to be, a stepping stone to manhood for millions of young men who have gone on to raise families or play the sport at the highest level.
American Legion Baseball has taught hundreds of thousands of young Americans the importance of sportsmanship, good health and active citizenship. The program is also a promoter of equality, making teammates out of young athletes regardless of their income levels or social standings.
The American Legion Boys State programs are among the most respected and selective; educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government. Students get to network with others across the State to include officials, staff, and other guests and alumni. This program is a positive resume entry that can help with grants, scholarships, military scholarships, internships, and other competitive programs and college.
At Boys State, participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county and state governments. Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs.
The American Legion's Department of Kentucky Program usually starts the week after school has ended. However, interested teens need to sign up for Boy's State much earlier. Contact and Post officer at Boone Post 4 early to secure your spot.
Looking for High School teens who want scholarship money for college expenses. The American Legion's Constitutional Speech Contest (Oratorical Contest) awards money for college at every level: Post, District, Area, Department, and National levels The Kentucky American Legion has had its fair share of winners at the National level with last year's contestant winning third place and our 2019 contestant winning first place and over $23,000 for college. Contact Boone Post 4 to find out more details on this program.
The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938 the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights, and privileges of American citizenship. The program has featured numerous politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former presidential candidate Alan Keys, national television commentator and talk show host Lou Dobbs, and former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence.
Young Orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $203,500 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest willer gets a $25,999 scholarship. Second place takes home $22,500
The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State is a nonpartisan program that teaches young women responsible citizenship and love for God and Country. Since the inception of the Girls State progam in 1937, nearly one million young women have had the opportunity to learn first-hand how their state and local government works.