Tennessee Boys State
A Premier Leadership Opportunity for High School Juniors
Tennessee Boys State is a prestigious, week-long program that offers rising high school seniors (male students) the opportunity to learn about government, leadership, and civic responsibility through hands-on participation in a mock state government.
Hosted annually at Tennessee Tech University, this program brings together outstanding students from across the state to:
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Elect and run a simulated state government
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Participate in legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement, and campaigning
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Engage in leadership training, public speaking, and problem-solving activities
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Hear from state and national leaders, including military officers, judges, and elected officials
🎯 Who Should Apply?
Students who demonstrate:
This opportunity is open to male juniors and is often considered a significant honor that enhances college applications and scholarship opportunities.
📅 When & Where
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Location: Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN
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Dates: Typically held in late May (exact dates vary by year)
📝 How to Apply?
Interested students should speak with their guidance counselor to learn more about nomination criteria and application procedures. Selection is competitive and based on leadership, character, and academic merit.
Tennessee Girls State
Tennessee Girls State is a respected, week-long leadership program designed to educate and inspire rising senior girls about the inner workings of government and the importance of civic responsibility. Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Girls State gives participants a unique opportunity to experience government in action.
Hosted annually at Lipscomb University in Nashville, the program brings together top student leaders from across the state to:
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Form and run a mock 51st state government
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Participate in elections, legislative sessions, court proceedings, and campaigning
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Engage in leadership training, public speaking, and collaborative decision-making
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Interact with real government officials, judges, and community leaders
🌟 Who Should Apply?
Girls State is open to female high school juniors who exhibit:
Participation is a notable honor that enhances college and scholarship applications, and often leads to lifelong connections and opportunities.
📅 When & Where
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Location: Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN
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Dates: Typically held in early June (dates may vary each year)
📝 How to Apply
Interested students should contact the guidance office for information on nomination and selection. Each school is allowed a limited number of delegates, and selection is based on leadership, character, and academic merit.
Tennessee provides 12 summer programs for gifted and talented high school students. Students in the tenth and eleventh grades who would like to participate in a challenging and high-intensity program in one of the twelve areas should obtain application(s) from their school counselor. Nominations for the Tennessee Governor’s schools must be made by high school counselors or principals.
Leadership University is a program designed to identify a diverse group of high school students who demonstrate leadership potential, and to develop, in an interactive environment, the framework for constructive leadership, committed involvement and responsible participation in the future of this community. Students apply during their Sophomore year to be able to attend Leadership University during their Junior year.
