The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is accepting applications for its 2026 session through April 30, with late applications accepted on a space-available basis.
The 2026 session is scheduled for May 31 through June 6 at Kansas State University in Manhattan. It will mark the program’s 34th consecutive year at K-State and its 88th session overall.
Kansas Boys State is open to students who will complete their sophomore or junior year of high school this spring. The cost to attend is $375, though organizers say sponsors often cover most of that expense, leaving delegates or their families to pay about $50.
Students interested in attending can apply at ksbstate.org.
Returning delegates — students who were sophomores during the 2024-25 school year and attended previously — may qualify to attend the 2026 session for $50 total if they recruit at least three eligible students from their school or another school to participate.
Participants are also eligible to receive three hours of college credit through Kansas State for Introduction to Political Science (POLSC 110-C) at a discounted rate, organizers said. Attendees may also earn merit badges that can count toward the Eagle Scout rank through the Boy Scouts of America and can apply for the Samsung American Legion Scholarship.
The American Legion Department of Kansas finalist is guaranteed a $1,250 scholarship, with the opportunity to earn up to $10,000 at the national level.
According to organizers, Kansas Boys State is designed to provide a hands-on leadership and civics experience through simulations of elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels. The program emphasizes teamwork, leadership, civic responsibility and an understanding of government and democracy.
Potential sponsors, including American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and individuals, can find more information at ksbstate.org/sponsor.
Questions can be directed to the American Legion Boys State of Kansas at info@ksbstate.org or 785-550-6492.
More information about the program is available at ksbstate.org.
The 2026 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State will be held May 31 through June 5 at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. More information is available at ksgirlsstate.org.