Jennifer Rangel and Celeste Rosas are the first female students from Arvin High to participate in the week-long Boys and Girls State Program (Photo: ABC Bakersfield)

Since The American Legion Boys & Girls State Program became coed, Jennifer Rangel and Celeste Rosas are the first female students from Arvin High School to participate in the program. 

“It is a huge privilege and blessing because this program is great,” Rangel told the ABC Bakersfield reporter. “A lot of us aren’t old enough to vote yet, so it’s a great idea to educate ourselves on how to vote in our society, whether it be state elections, nationwide elections, or even city council.”

Rosas added, “Working with both men and women in this program is beneficial because we learn from each other. I think it’s important for many more states to adopt this approach.”

Officials noted the significant impact young women have made in the program since it became coed last year. Initially, the week-long program was for boys only, focusing on government functions, political campaigns, and elections. In 2021, a law mandated the program to offer equal opportunities to both young men and women, making California the first state to make the program coed.

“Out of 920 participants last year, a third were young ladies, and we had our first female elected as lieutenant governor,” Henry Benavidez, Post Commander for The American Legion Post 26 and Post Chair for California Boys and Girls State, told the reporter.

California Governor Newsom with new Boys and Girls State leadership (Photo: jennifersiebelnewsom)

This year, the week-long program took place at California State University, Sacramento on June 17, where California Governor Gavin Newsom swore in new Boys and Girls State leadership.

“With the swearing-in of the new Boys and Girls State leadership, we celebrate California’s progress in expanding this once boys-only government and leadership program into a more robust coed opportunity, ensuring girls now have equal access to the Capitol, lawmakers, and curriculum. By providing equal opportunity for all youth to explore public service and civic engagement, our communities, learning, and leadership grow stronger,” Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the First Lady of California, commented on social media. “I couldn’t be prouder of our California youth and our path towards greater representation of women!”

The American Legion Boys & Girls State Program is a highly respected and selective educational program for high school students, focusing on the operation of local, county, and state government. Founded in 1935, the program teaches students about the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of citizens through hands-on training in the three branches of government: Legislative, Judicial, and Executive. The program is structured based on the California State Constitution, providing a realistic experience for delegates.

High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts, with expenses typically covered by a sponsoring American Legion Post, local business, or community-based organization. The program instills the privileges and duties of American citizenship in students before their senior year.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.