Boys & Girls State

"After joining Girls State, I learned so much about myself and others. It was like being in a simulation of how the Minnesota government functions. Many of the girls had perspectives on what policies the government should prioritize in Minnesota. Speaking out my perspective felt so easy, knowing that the girls would listen and give feedback. I was so close with everyone I was grouped with in my city, and we still stay in contact with each other about what's going on in our lives." - Shania Kuruvilla (2025 Chief of Police and County Delegate)

"Girls State transformed my definition of leadership and how I engaged with my community. During this week in June, we became a family, learning that our differences can strengthen our democracy rather than dividing it. Here, I learned to lead with grace, to listen without judgement, and to honor different perspectives. Following Girls State I had the privilege to attend Girls Nation in Washington D.C, where I was able to meet our MN senators, tour the White House and Capitol Hill, and build lifelong friendships. I truly cannot recommend these experiences enough." - Ellis Landry (2025 House of Representatives and Senator @ Girls Nation)

"Girls' State was a wonderful experience. I built lifelong friendships in an uplifting community, gained confidence in my ability to publicly speak and convey my personal beliefs, and had an opportunity to interact with successful women across broad career fields. It was an incredible week and an adventure of a lifetime. I can’t recommend Girls State enough!" - Isabelle McMahan (2025 State Auditor)

"Boy State was a pivotal experience for me. I interacted with multiple unique people across Minnesota, indulging myself in government politics and how the government runs. I was able to uphold multiple positions and started a newsletter on TikTok, interviewing Boy Staters' on their experience at Boys State. You have endless ways to show who you really are, and everyone is there to support you. I learned more about campaigning and public-speaking. I would recommend this to everyone who is recommended to attend this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." - Shyam Manikandan (2025 Commissioner of Public Relations and Chief Clerk for Senate)

"Boys State was such an important experience for my development as a person. Participating in building a government with fellow students helped me learn to advocate for myself and to speak out about my beliefs. It also allowed me to create long-lasting brotherhoods with the others that were in my city." - Jackson Pinault (2025 County Recorder and Representative)

“My experience at Girls State impacted me greatly. Learning about our state levels of government was engaging and intriguing; it demonstrated first hand what positions and leaders looked like through panels, discussions, and a mock government of our own. While at Girls State I also met countless girls from a vast variety of backgrounds. I was nervous about polarizing political views, but everyone was welcoming, understanding, and kind. Ideas and opinions were heard with equal sincerity, and I loved hearing why others thought differently than I did. The friendships I made there will last a lifetime, and I’m forever grateful for all the opportunities provided by Girls State.” - Aubrea A. Smythe (2025 Appointed City Clerk) 

"I believe that Boys State is an absolutely necessary experience to have if you are a young man wishing to become a strong and confident leader. You will win and lose, lead and fail, but above all, you will learn and love every second of it." - Adam D. Stienessen (2025 Mayor and Governor-nominee)

"Boys State was truly life changing. I met all sorts of people from across the state, immersing myself in politics while having an incredible time and forming a lifelong brotherhood. In just one week, I honed my public speaking, self-advocacy, and leadership skills. I can’t recommend this unparalleled experience enough." - Gavin J. Chabica (2024 Mayor and County Caucus Chairman) 

“Boys State was a transformative experience. Not only did I learn about politics, but I also created a community with boys from across the state. I learned important skills from public speaking to collaboration and compromise. It was a weeklong experience, with a lifetime of learning.” - Samuel R. DeRusha (2024 Senate President and Director’s Award Winner) 

"Boys State is a time in my life that I will never forget, the friendships and bonds I created there are still prevalent in my daily life, you learn about confidence, collaborating with others, public speaking, and voicing your beliefs in a setting that you will never get an opportunity to participate again in." - Gannon M. Farrens (2024 Member of the House of Representatives and city council) 

“I experienced a growth in brotherhood that I’ve never had before. My confidence in my personal beliefs, public speaking, and leadership developed in a way that would not be possible anywhere else.” - Tucker J. Fournier (2024 Governor and Boys Nation Senior Senator) 

“Before attending Girls State, I was unaware of how the government operated or the lengthy, intricate processes that took place behind the scenes to maintain the country's functionality. Seeing and listening to successful women in vast career fields helped broaden my horizons and encouraged me to work even harder. It was such an amazing week; I wish I could go back.” - Esther Kim (2024 House of Representative)