The 2026 ALA Empire Girls State program will be Tuesday, June 30th – Monday, July 6, 2026!

The purpose of Girls State is to provide to high school Juniors across the State the opportunity to create and govern a 51st mythical state. Girls are chosen by the Units after interviewing the candidates. Consideration is given to scholastic achievements, leadership, character, honesty and physical fitness. They learn the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship in this week-long, hands-on workshop in government.

Key Girls Nation/ Girls State Program Statements

In all 50 states the American Legion Auxiliary proudly host ALA Girls State, an amazing week of learning focused on responsible citizenship and love for God and country.
ALA Girls State delegates are a diverse group of young women with a shared desire to learn and lead. ALA Girls State “citizens” come together from small towns, big cities, and rural areas to hold ALA Girls State elections, and their varied backgrounds set the stage for a week of spirited, experiential learning.
The American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young women. This weeklong event gives participants a firsthand experience with practical insight into how the federal government works.
ALA Girls Nation connects participants with their peers from across the country, allowing the young women a unique opportunity to spend time with others who share common interests and those who have different perspectives from their own. The girls leave Washington, D.C. with a deeper understanding of government, a renewed sense of patriotism, and an appreciation for veterans.

Department Chairman: Stephanie Fallon
(empiregirlsstate@gmail.com)
1st Vice Chairman: Megan Hockaday
(egsvicechair@gmail.com)
2nd Vice Chairman: Molly McLaughlin
(egsregistrar@gmail.com)

For more information please visit: www.empiregirlsstate.org

2025-2026 Information and Report Forms:

2026 County Quotas

Don’t forget to return this form to 1st Vice Chairman
BY NOVEMBER 1, 2025 – the correct email is egsvicechair@gmail.com

Join Our Team!

Interested in joining our team? We are always looking for……

Volunteers to serve as counselors who work closely mentoring participants.
Volunteers to work in our ALA Empire Girls State Office.
Volunteers to serve on our academic instructional team.
Volunteers to serve as our program nurses.
Volunteers to help run this amazing program.

Complete our online Staff Application Form by January 1!

Interested in volunteering for just over a week? Do you want to help make the American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State program a success? Consider filling out the application at the above link!

For more information please visit: www.empiregirlsstate.org

Deadline	Details of Information Due
Nov. 1^st	County chairman must submit the Quota Commitment Form from the Plan of Action, www.empiregirlsstate.org, or www.deptny.org websites to ALA EGS 1^st Vice Chairman.
Nov – early	ALA EGS County Chairman should immediately distribute mailed, hard-copy materials to the ALA EGS Unit Chairman prior to virtual Overview Meeting. DO NOT HOLD!
Nov – mid/late	ALA EGS Unit and County Chairman should participate in a virtual meeting via Zoom to review the Fall Packet of Materials, review expectations and deadlines and to kick off the new ALA EGS year! Details will be shared in the Fall.
No later than January 1st	Online Applications submitted electronically are due for Central Staff and Counselor positions. Selected Staff will be notified following the Approval at the April Executive Meeting.
No later than Dec. 15th	Each ALA EGS Unit Chairman must contact school(s) about the ALA EGS program and obtain a list of eligible girls in the top 1/3 in the Junior class. (Home school students should be included)
Dec. 15th – Feb 1st	Each ALA EGS Unit Chairman gathers a team to conduct interviews between Dec – Feb. Units will select their citizen(s) and/or alternate(s) by February 1^st to attend EGS.
No later than February 1st	Contact the ALA EGS 1^st Vice Chairman if you feel that your Unit/County will not be able to fulfill your quota commitment.
February 1st	Designated Citizen/Alternate Paperwork/fees due to the ALA EGS Unit Chairman. (The majority of paperwork is completed online).
February 15th	ALA EGS Unit Chairman forward all completed supporting documents, tuition, and fees to ALA EGS County Chairman.
Feb 28th	Citizen and Alternate Transmittal forms with all supporting documentation and one check for tuition/fee payments due to ALA EGS 2^nd Vice Chairman / Registrar. Participant registration due – must be completed online.
Mid-May – Early June	ALA Empire Girls State virtual Orientations to be held via Zoom.All citizens and alternates must attend. Parents and all ALA EGS Chairmen are encouraged to attend.Information on the virtual Orientations is sent via email in early May to all email addresses provided in the online application.
No later than June 10^th	Auxiliary Ads, Legion Family Ads, Business Ads, Citizen Family Ads and Booster sheets Due to EGS 1^st Vice Chairman.
No later than June 15^th	Survival Kit deadline for Parents, Family, and other supporters.(Limited to the first 100) Due to EGS 1^st Vice Chairman.