About American Legion Auxiliary Tarheel Girl State
American Legion Auxiliary Tar Heel Girls State originated in 1940 to provide an opportunity to study and practice citizenship. For over 80 years, this program has served several thousand young leaders by deepening their sense of responsibilities as citizens and serving as a practical source of instruction in the structure and operation of state and local governments.
Tar Heel Girls State is the longest continuously running Girls State program in the country.
Rising seniors from across the state spend a week creating city government, political parties, and a state government. They elect officials, write and debate bills, create working governments and attend various workshops to prepare them for their senior year and college.
Eligibility
Must be a junior in high school at the time of her selection.
Must be between the ages of 16 and 18 years.
Must be ranked in the top 1/3 of her class academically or have at least an unweighted GPA of 3.0.
Must be residents of North Carolina for a minimum of 1 year prior to their selection for the program and be attending high school in North Carolina.
Must be a U.S. Citizen or a legal resident of the United States.
Must be mature individuals capable of setting priorities and be in good physical condition to withstand the week's intense activities and demanding schedule. If there are concerns, please contact
Preference will be given to children of veterans of the U.S. Military.
If selected, citizens must attend an orientation session.