California Boys & Girls State 2023 (Photo: Marshall Fundamental)

The American Legion California Boys State, a government and leadership camp for high school students, is officially embracing coeducation.

The program, formerly reserved for boys, has become the first and only state to introduce a coed format, allowing girls to participate and hold high-ranking positions. This change comes as part of a larger effort by state leaders to provide equal leadership opportunities for women and girls across California. The newly established American Legion California Boys and Girls State program aims to immerse students in a week-long experience of government and leadership, fostering civic responsibility and preparing them for future roles in public service.

Traditionally known as California Boys State, the program welcomed nearly a thousand of the most talented and promising students from across California to Sacramento for a week of nonstop government and leadership activities. In response to a 2021 law that mandated equal resources and curricula for Boys State and Girls State programs, California decided to make its Boys State program coed. This change addresses the previous disparities between the two programs, as Boys State had enjoyed more resources and a stronger experience due to its proximity to lawmakers and the State Capitol. The move represents an important step in expanding educational and leadership opportunities for girls in a state that has yet to elect a woman as governor.

The shift to a coed program has energized the California Boys State experience. Tim Aboudara Sr., Chief Counselor of the American Legion’s California Boys and Girls State, expressed the program’s enthusiasm for the change, noting the energy it has brought. This year, out of the 920 participants, approximately one-third are girls.

The impact of this change is already visible, as Anita White, a student from Sacramento, became the program’s first-ever girl elected as Lieutenant Governor. White’s victory, along with other girls winning seats traditionally reserved for boys, showcases the progress being made towards gender equality in leadership positions.

The integration of girls into California Boys State offers a unique opportunity for students interested in government to experience coed programs where women hold high offices. This exposure not only benefits the women running for office but also the boys who participate in the program. By working together, boys and girls can learn to collaborate and appreciate each other’s strengths and perspectives. The program aims to foster the skills of compromise, problem-solving, and effective leadership, traits that are crucial for the next generation of leaders.

While California Boys State has embraced coed participation, its counterpart, American Legion Auxiliary California Girls State, continues to maintain its own standalone program. The American Legion’s decision to make Boys State coed demonstrates their commitment to moving forward and providing equal opportunities for all young leaders. The program’s state legislature even voted to boycott the national event, American Legion Boys Nation, which remains exclusive to boys. This stance reflects the collective support and determination within the Girls and Boys State programs to ensure gender equality and inclusivity in all aspects of civic engagement.

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.