The Model General Assembly program is designed to introduce high school students to the legislative process of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Legislation is debated in committees and on the floors of the Senate and House of Delegates. more information
American Legion Boys State is among the most respected educational programs of the government instruction for high school students. Each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government. Participants engage in activities such as legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, and assemblies. more information
The purpose of Virginia Girls State is to provide functional citizenship training for young women who are rising high school seniors. Girls State is a week long study of Virginia Government. Participants are engaged in activities and classes such as the following: women in government, judiciary, public speaking, public service, newspaper publishing, parliamentary procedure, activism in art, chorus, band, and athletic activities. more information
Two representatives from each of the 49 Boys States represent their state at Boys Nation in Washington, where the young leaders receive an education on the structure and function of federal government. Participants learn the proper method of handling bills, according to U.S. Senate rules, and participation in the political process is emphasized throughout the week, including organization of party conventions and nominating and electing a president and vice president. more information
Two girls are selected from each Girls State program to attend Girls Nation, where they become “senators” who meet for a weeklong immersive learning in Washington, D.C. Participants engage in a mock legislature, submit bills and resolutions, engage in Senate sessions, hold a national convention, and elect officials such as president and vice president. more information
For more than 100 years, messengers known as pages have served the United States Congress. Duties include delivering correspondence and legislative material within the Congressional complex. The United States House of Representatives abolished their page program. more information