The Louisiana Department of the American Legion’s Louisiana Boys State program will be hosted on Southeastern Louisiana University’s campus starting in 2025. 

For the first time in 18 years, the hands-on learning experience where rising high school seniors master the ins and outs of the Louisiana political system will be held in south Louisiana. The program is set to be held June 22 – 28, 2025, and will celebrate its 85th anniversary.

“The Louisiana Department of the American Legion has proudly sponsored Louisiana Boys State since 1940, and we are excited to host our state’s best and brightest young men at Southeastern Louisiana University starting in 2025,” said Tina Cielatka, Louisiana Boys State Commission Chair. “Year after year, young men leave the program transformed to be the leaders of tomorrow, and I’m excited to have SLU as a partner in that mission.”

The program’s hands-on approach allows participants to experience for themselves the various issues faced by government officials. Every single program attendee is elected to a position by their peers and challenged to overcome issues faced by local government officials, craft legislation, and play an active role in the judicial system.

Citizens also have the opportunity to interact with leaders from across the state including local and state government officials, business leaders, members of the media, and active service officers or officer cadets in the U.S. military. Speakers from a variety of backgrounds offer their perspectives on what leadership and public service mean and look like in the real world.

“Though our program is changing locations, our mission remains to develop civically engaged young men, who are impactful citizens in their communities,” said Micah Scott, Louisiana Boys State staff member. “We take great pride in the opportunity the American Legion has created to positively affect so many over the last 84 years and look forward to continuing that tradition in a new location. We believe transitioning to Southeastern will allow us to serve our delegates in an even greater way and we look forward to this exciting, new partnership.”

Registration for the 2025 program will open this winter. To learn more about attending Louisiana Boys State, contacting program staff, or daily activities, please visit laboysstate.com.