The campus of Troy University in the summer of 2022 is set to play host to Girls State as the leadership program returns to the South Alabama school for the first time since 2012.
Girls State, the American Legion Auxiliary, provides a hands-on, leadership-driven learning experience for students, offering citizenship training and exposure to the state governing process. The program spans nearly 80 years in the state of Alabama.
The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program is available to high school junior girls which seeks to develop leadership skills and a broad understanding of American governing traditions.
Troy University chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr., expressed excitement about his school once again hosting the leadership program.
“Troy University and Girls State share the mission of developing and equipping the next generation of leaders for our state, nation and world,” said Hawkins. “Girls State stresses the ideals of patriotism and good, engaged citizenship – values that are at the very heart of TROY – and, we are pleased to once again host these students on our campus in 2022.”
Girls State returns to the Troy campus in early June of next year. According to the announcement, delegates will organize cities, vote on officials, develop and pass legislation, and hear from the state’s real-life elected officials.
Lee Sellers, Girls State director in Alabama, said Troy University’s recent campus improvements will prove beneficial for students participating in the program.
“American Legion Auxiliary Girls State is excited to be coming back to Troy University’s campus,” said Sellers. “Troy University has completed extensive upgrades and renovations and we look forward to experiencing everything TROY has to offer. Dr. Hawkins and his first-rate staff bent over backwards to accommodate the American Legion Auxiliary’s Alabama Girls State program, and we’re happy to be back.”
Barbara Patterson, the school’s director of student involvement, says both the university and Girls State share the commitment to upholding the values of “patriotism and citizenship.”
“Troy University reflects the values of patriotism and citizenship on which Girls State is based,” Patterson said. “The program and the University are both committed to helping prepare students to move forward into leadership roles to better serve their communities. We look forward to hosting them on campus next summer.”
Additionally, the university says it will also host Alabama Boys State in late May 2022.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.