Northwood University’s Midland, Michigan campus will serve as the site for the 2014 Boys State program which runs from Sunday, June 15, to Saturday, June 21. Sponsored by the American Legion-Department of Michigan, Boys State is an educational program aimed at teaching high school students about “the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens.” Similar programs are sponsored by the American Legion Departments in 48 other states.Founded in 1935, Boys State is a national civics leadership program for young men who have concluded their junior year of high school. The program prepares participants for excellence in all tracks of life, most notably as active citizens. Participants learn to govern themselves as citizens of a fictional 51st state—complete with elections, officeholders, and leadership positions local and state government as well as higher education. In addition to their “hands on” civics lesson, participants are also immersed in college dorm life while developing effective peer communication, leadership and management skills.
The closing ceremony for Boys State 2014 will be held Saturday, June 21, at 8:45 a.m. in the Bennett Sports Center on Northwood’s campus located at 4000 Whiting Drive. The governor of Boys State will give his closing remarks for the week. Two participants from each Boys State program from across the country are then chosen to attend Boys Nation held this year July 18-25 in Washington D.C. Similar to Boys State, the Boys Nation program gives attendees an insight into national government and legislature.
According to Larry Lindsey, Northwood University Michigan campus president, the partnership between Northwood University and Boys State “is a natural.” The values and principles behind Boys State reflect the very values and principles Northwood University is founded upon,” stated Lindsey. “We’re proud to serve as partners with the American Legion and its mission to educate young men about government and civic leadership.”
For more information on Boys State, contact Jerry Kelley, Boys State director, at 734-434-8272 or visit www.michiganlegion.org/boysstate/.
