Eligibility
ALA VGS is among the nation’s most respected educational programs of government instruction and leadership development for high school students. Citizens to ALA VGS must have completed their junior year of high school and have at least one semester remaining before graduation. Only female students who demonstrate leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty, service, and love for God and country should be considered. Participants are selected based on merit and ability. A Girls State citizen must be willing to show respect for and pledge the American flag. The program reserves the right to determine the eligibility of potential citizens based on other factors related to safety, suitability, liability, risk, or the overall well-being of the program and its participants.
Sponsorship
Citizens of ALA VGS may receive sponsorship funding from various community sources. Regardless of the sponsorship source, all citizens are hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary.
Attendance
The fullness of the ALA VGS experience relies upon citizens being available to participate in the entire program. Late arrival or early departure must be approved by the ALA VGS Chairwoman or her designee and may preclude a delegate’s eligibility to graduate from the program. A citizen who departs before completing the program is also subject to reimbursing expenses to the sponsoring entity. Counselors should notify ECs of citizens’ inability to participate in the entire ALA VGS session. Citizens who depart early may also be subject to restrictions associated with missing the ALA VGS closing celebrations. These activities generally include running for Governor, consideration for Girls Nation, the Samsung Scholarship Program, or the Girls State chorus. In short, citizens are highly encouraged to remain with the program for the mutual benefit of themselves and their cities.
Accommodation
ALA VGS citizens should be prepared to endure the program’s rigors. At the same time, ALA VGS is committed to reasonably accommodating the needs of citizens with disabilities. In applying to ALA VGS, citizens should advise of any disabilities or medical conditions that require accommodation so that appropriate discussions and determinations may occur before the program.
Medical Policy
A citizen who becomes ill at ALA VGS and is deemed unable to remain will be released to the care of her parent or guardian for appropriate care and treatment.